What Fourth of July Facts Do You Know?

As America prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July, Skycore Aviation honors our history with Independence Day trivia.  How many facts do you know? 

The Date

• When was the Declaration of Independence signed?
  August 2, 1776 was the date when the Declaration was signed by most of the representatives, however the vote for independence was formally declared on July 2^nd.

• When did the U.S. gain its independence?
  On September 3, 1783 England abandoned its claims on the colonies at the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

• What president was born on July 4^th?
  Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, was born on July 4, 1872.

• When did the Fourth of July become a legal federal holiday?
  In 1870, the Fourth was legally named a federal holiday and Congress reaffirmed the holiday in 1938 so all workers received full pay.

• Has any president died on the Fourth of July?
  Yes, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe all died on the Fourth. In 1826, on its 50^th anniversary, both Adams and Jefferson died within hours of each other.

• When were fireworks first used to celebrate July Fourth?
  In 1777 Congress chose fireworks as a way to celebrate the first anniversary. They were ignited over Philadelphia in a celebration also including bonfires and bells.

The Declaration

• What was the original purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
  The Declaration started as a letter to King George explaining why the Continental Congress voted to declare its independence.

• Is there anything written on the back of the Declaration of Independence?
  Yes! Written upside down and backwards is “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.” During that time, parchment was rolled up, so this probably served as a message.

The Signers

• How many representatives signed the Declaration?
  In total 56 representatives signed, pledging their lives, fortunes, and honor knowing they would receive the death penalty if caught.  Of these, 5 signers were captured, tortured and died; 12 had homes ransacked and burned; 2 lost sons serving in the Army; another 2 had sons captured; and 9 fought and died from wounds and hardships from the War.

• Did any signers of the Declaration become President?
  Yes, John Adams was the second president followed by Thomas Jefferson in 1801.

• Who was the first person to sign the Declaration?
  John Hancock was first and his large signature left little room for the others to sign. His autograph has become so famous that the term ‘John Hancock’ is used as a synonym for signature.

Happy Fourth of July from Skycore Aviation is an international helicopter personnel services and UH-60A Black Hawk provider (www.blackhawk360.com).  Our knowledge and experience enable Skycore to provide personnel and turnkey solutions for helicopter programs tailored to meet our customer’s operations, maintenance and training needs.  To stay atop of the rotary wing industry, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.