Independence Day Facts

Some facts about our 4th of July:

• The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

• Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826, on the 50th anniversary of the signing (actually refinement) of the Declaration of Indendence.

• The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it.

• The origin of Uncle Sam probably began in 1812, when Samuel Wilson was a meat packer who provided meat to the US Army. The meat shipments were stamped with the initials, U.S. Someone joked that the initials stood for “Uncle Sam”. This joke eventually led to the idea of Uncle Sam symbolizing the United States government.

• In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

• Edward Rutledge (age 26) was the youngest signer and Benjamin Franklin (age 70) was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence.

E Pluribus Unum to all and to all a goodnight!

I'll be in the parade in downtown St. Charles on July 4! St. Charles Christmas Traditions is making a special apprearance!! ** sshhh... I'm the angel **