1. It’s the anniversary of three presidential deaths

Adams, Jefferson and Monroe all died on July fourth.Adams and Jefferson died in 1826, the 50^th anniversary, just hours apart.

2. The second of July is considered to be more appropriate when it comes to naming “Independence Day”

3. When the Declaration of Independence was signed, Pennsylvania was considered the “State of Independence”

Many considered it to be the most patriotic state.

4. Benjamin Franklin was actually very dis-satisfied with the Bald Eagle being chosen as the National Symbol of Freedom.

He wanted it to be a turkey. He thought that the bald eagle represented all that America should not become.

5. Green was the color of choice for the holiday when it began as opposed to the popular red white and blue readily available today.

6. The stars on the original American flag were placed in a circle so that all 13 colonies would be represented equally.

7. The first time the declaration was read in public wasn’t until July eighth,prior to the ringing of the Liberty Bell.

8. Each year the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped 13 times in honor of the original 13 colonies.

It isn’t rung in fear of it cracking or collapsing.

9. The Pennsylvania Evening Post Newspaper was the first to actually print the Declaration of Independence

10. The Revolutionary War actually began before Independence was declared.

So, it’s a common misconception that the declaration was the cause of the war.

11. Fireworks were first used to commemorate the occasion accompanied by bells and bonfires July 4,1777.

12. John Adams was against celebrating the fourth of July

Little did he know that would be the date of his death 50 years later.

13. Random factoid here: Here’s to an under-appreciated battle that occurred prior to the "shot heard around the world" at Lexington and Concord. Here’s a moment of reflection for all you Ohioans out there; don’t forget about the Battle of Point Pleasant.

It’s not so much about the food and fireworks. It’s about pausing to reflect on all those who have made sacrifices for our country. Without our founding fathers and the history behind us, America wouldn’t be what it is today.

P.S. Everyone, if I’ve got your mind wandering, and you want some more history, or maybe I’ve got you thinking about the importance and value of America’s history, then check out the Daughters or the Sons of the American Revolution. Who knows you may have a patriot and history all your own. What better way to find that out and follow your curiosity than to become a part of these non profit organizations. It’s your history, own it and let these people show you that service and history truly matter.