|
 Independence Day in the U.S. is an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence and is celebrated in all states and territories of the U.S.
The holiday was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, at which time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played. It was not declared a legal holiday, however, until 1941. The Fourth is traditionally celebrated publicly with parades and pageants, patriotic speeches, and organized firing of guns and cannons and displays of fireworks; early in the 20th century public concern for a “safe and sane” holiday resulted in restrictions on general use of fireworks. Family picnics and outings are a feature of private Fourth of July celebrations.
Did you Know?
The fireworks imported from China into the United States were valued at $216 million, in 2006.
Japan purchases more fireworks than any other country.
The estimated number of U.S. residents was 302 million on July 4, 2007.
It is estimated that there were 2.5 million people living in the colonies in July 1776.
The estimated amount of hot dogs eaten by Americans on the Fourth of July is 150 million.
There is a 49 percent chance that the beans on an American plate for a Fourth of July picnic came from North Dakota or Michigan.
There is a 60 percent chance that the corn on the cob eaten by an American for a Fourth of July picnic came from California, Florida, Georgia or New York.
One-half of the potatoes made for chips or salad at an Independence Day cookout were grown in Idaho or Washington.
Approximately 74 million Americans participated in Fourth of July barbecue in 2006.
Source www.history.com
Food tips to enjoying your outdoor picnic this summer
A little extra thought and picnic preparation can help keep hot foods hot, cold foods cold, and everyone safe from food illnesses:
Don’t leave the drink cooker lid open for convenience –the drinks will be warm in no time in the hot sun.
Try to open the cooler lid only when necessary, so the cold air doesn’t escape.
Use watertight containers to store food in the cooler along with the drinks, if possible.
Add some water to the ice in the cooler and all the contents will stay colder longer.
Leftover hot goods need to be placed in the cooler immediately to avoid contamination. If you’re away from home and must store warm leftovers in a cooler, make sure to bring lots of extra ice.
Leftover sauces and marinades, including mayonnaise and foods prepared with mayonnaise, have a high risk for food-borne illness and should be thrown out unless you have proper facilities to store or reuse them.
Remember, sometimes the simplest foods are the most enjoyable for everyone. Plan ahead and prepare foods that allow you enjoy the celebration along with everyone else!
Reflections about Freedom
The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time.
-Thomas Jefferson
Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit.
-Ronald Reagan
We know what works: Freedom works. We know what’s right: Freedom is right.
-George Bush
I still believe there can be a day when we will have true freedom: a day when we can all get along regardless of our race. This is not a dream. It is alive within the ability of us all.
-Rosa Parks
God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it.
-Daniel Webster
My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you –ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
-John F. Kennedy
Reflexiones acerca de la libertad
El Dios que nos dio vida, nos dio libertad también al mismo tiempo.
-Thomas Jefferson
Libertad es una de las más profundas y nobles aspiraciones del espíritu humano.
-Ronald Reagan
Nosotros sabemos lo que funciona: libertad funciona. Nosotros sabemos lo que es correcto: libertad es correcta.
-George Bush
Todavía creo que va a haber un día en que habrá libertad cierta: un día cuando todos podamos llevarnos bien uno con otro sin importar la raza. No es un sueño. Es algo que vive en la habilidad de todos y cada uno.
-Rosa Parks
Dios concede libertad solamente a aquellos que la aman, los cuales están listos para guardarla y defenderla.
-Daniel Webster
Mis compatriotas americanos: no pregunten que puede hacer el país por ustedes –pregunten que pueden hacer ustedes por su país. Mis compatriotas ciudadanos del mundo: no pregunten que puede hacer América por ustedes, pero que podemos hacer todos juntos por la libertad.
-John F. Kennedy
|
