Happy Independence Day!

The Declaration of Independence likely was not signed on July 4^th—at least not by all signers. Neither was July 4^th the day the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress. That reportedly happened on July 2^nd, 1776. Nevertheless, the annual celebration of remembrance does occur July 4^th. What is this: the 340^th anniversary or something like that? There are bits of interesting trivia about the July 4^th date. For example: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both signed the Declaration of Independence and both were elected to the US Presidency. They both died on the 50^th anniversary of the Declaration: July 4^th, 1826. James Monroe died on July 4^th 1831, the third President in a row to die on that holiday. So far only one US President was born on July 4^th; Calvin Coolidge, the 30^th President. Reportedly, Denmark celebrates American Independence on July 4, as well, their National parks supposedly holding the largest July 4th celebrations outside of the United States. The sovereign archipelago known as the Republic of the Philippines—supposedly named for King Phillip II of Spain—also celebrates July 4th as its Republic Day; the day in 1946 when it ceased to be a U.S. territory and was officially recognized as independent. Typically, the July 4^th holiday is a day of family and fun and food and fireworks, along with a myriad of other types of celebrations—76 trombones led the big parade, ‘The Music Man’ being a famous musical nod to Independence Day. Whatever you are doing on this day, be grateful for the United States of America—although not flawless, it’s still way ahead of most!