When you think about it, we are an amazing, unlikely success story. History buffs will recall that at the dawn of the American Revolution a small band of patriots were leading a rebellion against the mighty British empire. They had a seasoned, well-trained, well-outfitted, formidable army and navy, perhaps the mightiest in the world. On the other hand, we had no army and no navy NONE.
What we had was a bunch of ragtag, ill-equipped, parttime, inexperienced militias scattered among the various colonies. Our men were farmers and tradesmen, not professional soldiers or sailors. Our military leaders, even George Washington, were inexperienced in the tactics of warfare. What we did have, however, was an unquenchable thirst for freedom.
Seemingly we had very little chance of success. (If there had been a Las Vegas it would have given us infinitesimal odds of success). Yet, we persevered. That, in and of itself, is a great American success story. Then, we followed it up with 250 years of unparalleled achievement and success to become the greatest nation in the history of the world. Yes, we have flaws. Nothing is perfect, but we are continuing to deal with these problems and evolve.
A small, persistent, vociferous, well-funded group of dissidents have been very critical of America, even advocating tearing down our society and remaking it into a socialist/communist nation. They’ve been getting much publicity lately, but they are in the minority. A recent Cato Institute poll disclosed that only 17% characterized themselves as “not very patriotic compared to 70% who described themselves as “at least moderately patriotic.” Even a majority of Gen Z’ers characterized themselves as “at least moderately patriotic.” 63% of all respondents averred they are “grateful” to be Americans. Only 10% expressed an unfavorable view of America’s founding. So, take all the negativity reported in the media with a big “grain of salt.” More on this later.
To honor America’s 250th birthday below please find a brief summary of trivia and notable historic events that have occurred in America on July 4th during the last 250 years.
- In 1776 when the Declaration was signed there were but 2.5 million people living in America. The current population is 349 million.
- Benjamin Franklyn, age 70, was the oldest person to sign the Declaration of Independence. South Carolina delegate Edward Rutledge, 26 years old, was the youngest person to sign it.
- According to Wikipedia it is believed that there were only 200 original copies of the Declaration of Independence printed. Today there are only 26 known copies in existence.
- John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. His bold signature was so memorable that his name became synonymous with the phrase “put your John Hancock on this form”.
- President Warren Harding created the popular term “founding fathers” in his address to the Republican National Convention in 1916.
- Independence Day is celebrated annually all throughout the country with parades, fireworks and other events. According to Wikipedia Bristol, Rhode Island’s celebration, which commenced in 1785, is the oldest.
- Americans love to eat! Hot dogs are the undisputed most popular food consumed on July 4. According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council (NHDSC) Americans consume an estimated 150 million of them on the holiday.
- Nathan’s at Coney Island has hosted a famous hot dog-eating contest every year on July 4th since 1916. It is so popular that it is televised in all its gluttonous glory.
- Hamburgers are a close second. Who doesn’t like the smell and taste of burgers on the grill.
- New Englanders, to be different, have a centuries-old tradition of eating salmon and peas on Independence Day. I don’t mind the salmon, but peas, ugh.
- For dessert we have apple pie, the undisputed cultural symbol of America. It has served as the de facto national treat for generations, and it is deeply embedded in the nation’s culinary DNA. We are all familiar with the phrase “as American as apple pie.”
- We do love our pyrotechnics. For many of us they are an engrained feature of the holiday celebration. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend in excess of $1 billion on them every year. Out of this, only 10% of firework displays are set off professionally, which probably accounts for the estimated 13,000 firework-related hospital emergency room visits per year. According to Fortune Magazine almost 70% are normally experienced by men.
Most people are sensible enough to view them from a safe distance or on the tv. However, there are always a few irresponsible daredevils who injure themselves. Some of you may recall that some years ago NY Giants star defensive lineman Jason Pierre Paul severely injured his fingers and hand and almost derailed a promising career.
Some of the notable events that occurred on July 4:
1777: The first Independence Day celebration was held in Philadelphia, featuring fireworks, bonfires, and parades as originally envisioned by Founding Father John Adams.
1789: 1st US tariff act signed by President Washington.
1802: The United States Military Academy officially opened its doors at West Point, New York.
1803: The United States government officially announced the Louisiana Purchase from France, which doubled the nation’s size.
1826: Former Presidents and Founding Fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day within hours of each other, exactly 50 years after the Declaration was adopted.
1827 Slavery was abolished in New York.
1831: Former president and Founding Father James Monroe passed away.
1831: The song, “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)” with lyrics by Samuel Francis Smith, which many supported to be designated as our national anthem, had its first public performance at Park Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts.
1863: Confederate forces surrendered at Vicksburg, Mississippi, a major turning point in the Civil War.
1870 July 4th was designated as a federal holiday.
1884: France officially presented the Statue of Liberty to the United States.
1946: The Philippines gained full independence from the United States.
1916: 1st Nathan’s hotdog eating contest.
1939: Baseball legend Lou Gehrig gave his famous “Luckiest Man” retirement speech at Yankee Stadium after being diagnosed with ALS
Birthdays of notable persons:
1804 – Nathaniel Hawthorne, author (“The Scarlet Letter” and “House of the Seven Gables”).
1872 – Calvin Coolidge, 30th U.S. President.
1911 – Mitch Miller, big bandleader, “Sing along with Mitch”.
1918 – Ann Landers (aka Esther Pauline “Eppie” Lederer), advice columnist.
1918 – Abigail Van Buren, advice columnist (“Dear Abby.”).
1927 – Neil Simon, playwright and screenwriter (“The Odd Couple,” “The Goodbye Girl,” “Biloxi Blues” and “Brighton Beach Memoirs.”).
1929 – Al Davis, NFL Oakland Raiders owner and executive (Just win, baby.”).
1930 – George Steinbrenner (aka the “Boss”), NY Yankees owner.
1938 – Bill Withers – singer-songwriter (“Lean on Me,” “Lovely Day,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Just the Two of Us”).
1943 – Geraldo Rivera, journalist and talk show host.
1988- Malia Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama.
Conclusion
To reiterate my earlier comments America has some flaws, but it is still the best nation on earth. Witness the millions that are striving to emigrate. Also, several foreign soccer fans visiting for the World Cup matches expressed their pleasant surprise at the politeness of the American people.
In 1776 few around the world thought we would win our independence, and after we did few thought it would last. After 250 years I maintain we have proved those naysayers wrong.
This country was built by immigrants who came here with nothing but a dream. I’m talking about most of our parents, grandparents or great-grandparents. Most had few possessions, no prospects, and knew no one. Some even came alone as children. Against all odds, they survived and prospered. They built a life for themselves. They sacrificed so that their kids would have a better life.
Others of our ancestors were slaves. Once they earned their freedom, they too strived to attain a better life for themselves and their children. In America there are a plethora of blacks and other minorities who have taken advantage of their opportunities and become successful in business, entertainment, politics and a host of other fields. Blacks have served on the Supreme Court, and we elected a black president, twice.
America is and has been the one country where one can start with nothing and be successful. Our history is replete with thousands of examples of that. Hence the common phrase “only in America.” A prime example is our current vice president, J. D. Vance. To quote the late Winston Churchill- “Democracy is the worst form of government except for all [the others.”].
Tomorrow, July 4th, is a day to celebrate 250 years of independence. Enjoy the holiday, and stay safe.
We Built It Blog by Larry Jacob 