Here’s some fun trivia about the Fourth of July, as celebrated here in America, and the people who were an integral part of our nation’s history. Go ahead, quiz your neighbors to see if they know a little more than how many hot dogs (the estimate is 155 million according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council) will likely be consumed during this holiday weekend.
Check these out and see how well you do. The answers are at the end of this article.
- The Fourth of July did not become a Federal holiday until when? (Thank you, Federal government.)
- The original thirteen stars on the American flag were made in a circle to show that each colony was considered what?
- The song “Yankee Doodle” was originally sung by British officers to do what? (That’s okay, we like the song.)
- The ____ of the signers of the Declaration of Independence did not become public knowledge for more than six months. This was done to protect them had independence not been achieved.
- George Washington issued double rations of what to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778?
- Every Fourth of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is what thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen colonies?
- Initially, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on what date?
The Fourth of July isn’t just another one of those holidays where we get up late and slog around in our pajamas until way past lunchtime just because we have the day off. I thanked the Federal government earlier. It’s America’s birthday and a day to gather together, celebrate our freedoms, pop some fireworks, and enjoy savory food cooked on the grill!
So while we’re gathered, having just one more hot dog, loading up on sweet tea, and watching the vanilla ice cream melt, you can toss out a little Fourth of July trivia to your family and friends. Maybe even cause a head to tilt and ask, “Really?” You could be the one to wager for the last slice of apple pie with all your Fourth of July knowledge.
Armed with these lesser known facts, you too can test others and broaden their horizons as well. Remember to have a safe and festive Fourth of July!
For more interesting facts about the Fourth of July, you can visit this website: http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2011/07/happy-independence-day-america-fun-fourth-july-facts/
Answers: 1941, equal, make fun of backwoods Americans, names, rum, tapped, July 2, 1776
