July topic of the Month: Independence Day

The 4th of July is often celebrated with local parades, family barbecues, and beautiful firework displays. It’s a day for Americans to spend time with their friends and families in honor of the birth of our nation. Here are some notable facts about our Independence Day celebrations:

1. The oldest 4th of July celebration is the Bristol Fourth of July Parade held in Bristol, Rhode Island. The parade began in 1785 and has continued since.

2. The 4th of July has always been a day for eating and drinking in excess. George Washington allotted for double the rations of rum during the Independence Day celebrations held during the American Revolution.

3. This theme of excess carries through today. We see this in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest, in which people from around the world gather on New York’s Coney Island to see who can eat the most hot dogs in ten minutes.

4. The 4th of July is not just a rich day in America’s history, but for its presidents too. Three presidents, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe died on the 4th. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president was born on Independence Day.

5. Only Two Men Signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 Charles Thompson and the infamous John Hancock were the only two men who actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The other 54 delegates signed over the course of the next month.

6. Men Love Fireworks... $1 Billion Worth According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks each year. Out of this, only 10% of firework displays are set off professionally, which probably accounts for the estimated 12,900 firework-related emergency room visits across the country. 

However, you choose to celebrate the 4th of July, Orsinger Investment Group, Inc. wishes you a safe and happy day!