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By Linda Denninger

We’ve found some interesting facts about the 4th of July as well as the month itself, we thought we would share with you!

1. Congress made Independence Day an official unpaid holiday for federal employees in 1870. In 1938, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday.

2. Only John Hancock actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. All the others signed later.

3. The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. This was also the day that the Declaration of Independence was first read in public after people were summoned by the ringing of the Liberty Bell. Today they tap the bell 13 times to honor the first 13 colonies.

4. President John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe all died on the Fourth. Adams and Jefferson (both signed the Declaration) died on the same day within hours of each other in 1826.

5. In 1776, there were 2.5 million people living in the new nation. Today the population of the U.S.A. is approximately 326,766,748! We’ve grown a bit!

6. Fireworks are part of the tradition of celebrating this national holiday. But PLEASE remember our furry friends on this date! So many animals are frightened and run away on this holiday. The loud noises frighten all animals, not just the domesticated pets. Please think about them when planning your celebrations.

7. Ruby is the birthstone for July.

8. MY birthday is in July!!!

9. BBQ’s are big for celebrations. Over 150 MILLION hot dogs and over 700 MILLION pounds of chicken are consumed in the U.S. on the 4th.

10. DreamProducts.com has so many items to help you with your 4th of July BBQ, staying cool during this hot month, and all sorts of UNIQUE ITEMS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES!

We hope the first half of this year has been great for you and that the second half is even better! Enjoy!