Happy Fourth of July

Jul 04, 2020

Happy Fourth of July

Every year on the Fourth of July, Americans celebrate the birth of the United States and its Independence. There are many ways that people celebrate this day, from community parades to concerts, fireworks displays and large and small scale celebrations. For some people, this holiday is associated with baseball, while for others it is all about barbecues and spending time at the beach. However you choose to celebrate, you can be sure that red, white, and blue is all around you!

The Origins of Fourth of July Celebrations

Although the Fourth of July celebration wasn’t officially designated as a federal holiday until 1941, Independence Day originated during the time of the American Revolution (1775 – 1783). During the American Revolution, representatives from the 13 colonies composed the resolution that resulted in the independence from Great Britain. On July 2^nd, 1776, the continental congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence. Two days later, Thomas Jefferson’s acclaimed document that is now known as the Declaration of Independence, was accepted by delegates representing the 13 colonies. Two days later, Thomas Jefferson’s famous document that is now known as the Declaration of Independence, was adopted by representatives of the 13 colonies.

First States to Observe the Fourth of July

In 1781, Massachusetts became the first state whose legislature agreed to specify July 4^th as the date on which to observe the country’s independence. In 1783, Boston became the first city to officially make July 4^th a holiday to honor the country’s birth. That same year, North Carolina’s governor, Alexander Martin, became the first governor to issue an official state order stipulating that July 4^th was the day on which North Carolinians would celebrate the country’s independence.

Two years later, Boston became the first city to make an official designation to honor the country’s birth with a holiday on July 4th. In that same year, North Carolina’s governor, Alexander Martin, became the first governor to authorize an official state order designating that July 4th was the day on which North Carolinians would observe the country’s independence.

Fun Facts About the Fourth of July

• The stars on the original flag were displayed in a circle because it is believed that would signify that all of the colonies were equal.
• In the United states, over 150 million hot dogs are eaten on July 4^th.
• Americans spend $1 billion on fireworks each year
• Imports of fireworks each year totals over $211 million.
• The White House put on the first “official” July 4^th party in 1801.
• Benjamin Franklin believed that the turkey was better suited to represent the national bird over the bald eagle. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson disagreed with him, and he was outvoted, so the bald eagle earned the coveted distinction of the official bird of the United States.

The tradition of the Fourth of July differs from one person or group to another. Along the coastal areas, people may hold celebrations with seafood boils. While others may spend the day in the bleachers at a baseball game, or at park, cooking a great traditional meal on the grill. No matter how or where you enjoy celebrating, one thing is for certain: all Americans celebrate the Fourth of July as the birth and Independence of our country.

Our Doctors and team at Georgia School of Orthodontics wish you and your family a happy and safe Fourth of July!