Independence Day Trivia

When preparing for your annual Independence Day celebration consider including a trivia contest at your family barbecue. What better way to encourage patriotism within your family on the most American of holidays? These fun-filled trivia bytes are sure to keep your family entertained until the 4th of July fireworks begin.

Is it okay to use paper napkins and paper plates printed with flags? No. Section 8i of the Flag Code reads: “It should not be … printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.”

What two Presidents signed the Declaration of Independence and both died on July 4, 1826? Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on Independence Day’s 50th anniversary.

What is our national flower? The rose

What 7 words start the Declaration of Independence? “When in the course of human events”

Who was the only President to be born on July 4th? Calvin Coolidge

Whose signature on the Declaration of Independence is the largest? John Hancock’s

Is a T-shirt with a picture of a flag considered a flag? Yes, and therefore when worn-out must be retired in a respectful way.

How many people signed the Declaration? 56 people signed but on different dates

How tall is the statue of liberty? 151 feet

When was Independence Day celebrated on July 5th? In 1779 the 4^th of July landed on a Sunday, consequently the holiday was observed on the 5^th.

What is our national bird? The bald eagle

Where is the oldest Independence Day celebration held? Bristol, Rhode Island has held its annual parade since 1785.

What other countries celebrate the 4th of July? Denmark, Sweden, Norway, England

What are United States’ National colors? The three national colors are red symbolizing valor and bravery; white representing purity and innocence; and blue signifying vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

When did the 4^th of July officially gain its title “Independence Day”? 1791 is the first recorded use

What was the colonists’ chief complaint about being ruled by Britain? Not having a voice in English Parliament’s decisions “taxation without representation”. Where was Independence Day first celebrated? Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

How did “Uncle Sam” originate? Meat shipments to the U.S. Army were packaged by Samuel Wilson and marked “U.S.”. A sideways joke saying the initials stood for Uncle Sam evolved to this common US government symbol.

Has Independence Day always been a federal paid holiday? No, in 1870 Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1938 Congress changed it back.

Where does the word Patriotism come from? The word ‘˜patriotism’ comes from the Latin language where patria means homeland.

When was the first draft of the Declaration of Independence presented to Congress? On June 28, 1776.

When historians question the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, when do they think it was signed? Fifty men signed on August 2, 1776.

When did the War of Independence from Great Britain begin? April 1775

Does my flag have to be burned if it touches the ground? In earlier times, when flags were made of cotton or wool, they were burned. Burning today’s flags made of petroleum-based materials can release hazardous gases into the air and can be in violation of law.

Why are 13 shots fired on military bases as a form of celebration? Signify one shot for each of the original 13 colonies

Why were the names of those who signed the Declaration of Independence kept secret from the public for more than six months? Had independence not been achieved, the signers would have been guilty of treason and therefore, by law, given a death sentence.

What does it mean when the flag is flown upside down? This is a distress signal

At what age do a bald eagle’s white head feathers begin to appear? 4-5 years

What sport holds its game on this holiday? Baseball major and minor leagues are both traditionally played on the 4th of July.

Who governs the regulations for the flag? The Flag Code which are laws relating to the flag of the United States of America are found in detail in the United States Code. These laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations.

Who was the last person to sign the Declaration? Thomas McKean signed in January, 1777.

How much does the liberty bell weigh? 2055 lbs., originally 2080 lbs. but it is believed a night watchman removed a chunk for resale.

Who makes the largest number of U.S. flags? China creates the majority, creating 2.8 million flags in 2010.

How many US cities have “Independence in their name? 11 ‘” Independence, Missouri has the largest population of 116,830.

As community and family leaders we are challenged to perpetuate patriotism in our children and neighbors. By making Independence Day trivia fun for your family you’ve honored the 13 original colonies’ journey toward freedom as a sovereign nation. That’s something worth celebrating!

To read additional articles written by Jo Jackson, click here.

Sources:

www.ushistory.com

http://www.usatradeonline.gov

www.usflag.gov

www.census.gov

http://factfinder.census.gov