On July 4, 1776, the 2nd continental Congress unanimously (get Congress to do something unanimously now) adopted the Declaration of Independence announcing our separation from Great Britain. The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign the document on July 4th the majority of them (50) signed it on August 2nd. The names of the signers were withheld from the public for more than 6 months to protect them from certain death if independence was not achieved. For in signing the document they committed treason. The last signature wasn’t added until January of 1777.
In July 1776 there were an estimated 2.5 million people living in the newly independent nation. The 2012 estimate for this July 4th is 313.9 million. That’s a nice steady growth! We import approximately $232.3 million in fireworks from China, most of them to be used on July 4th.
Our flag has 13 stripes for the 13 original colonies and 50 stars, one for each state in the Union. On this 4th of July, I encourage you to fly your flag proud for all the men and women still defending this great nation that so many turn to in their hour of need and enjoy your BBQ and fireworks display that have become a traditional celebration. If you live in CO please consider forgoing the fireworks, our entire state is on fire and we don’t need any more hot spots.