7/3/2009 10:04 am
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Surprising Facts About the Fourth of July (MSN)
Number 7 & number 10 were a surprise to me!!!
1. Independence Day commemorates the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. However, it was not declared a legal holiday until 1941.
2. Fireworks were made in China as early as the 11th century. The Chinese used their pyrotechnic mixtures for war rockets and explosives.
3. Uncle Sam was first popularized during the War of 1812, when the term appeared on supply containers. Believe it or not, the U. S. Congress didn't adopt him as a national symbol until 1961.
4. There are many precise rules for taking care of the American flag. And speaking of flag traditions, we're sorry to report that contrary to legend, historical research has failed to confirm that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag.
5. Not all members of the Continental Congress supported a formal Declaration of Independence, but those who did were passionate about it. One representative rode 80 miles by horseback to reach Philadelphia and break a tie in support of independence.
6. The first two versions of the Liberty Bell were defective and had to be melted down and recast. The third version rang every Fourth of July from 1778 to 1835, when, according to tradition, it cracked as it was being tolled for the death of Chief Justice John Marshall.
7. The American national anthem, the "Star-Spangled Banner," is set to the tune of an English drinking song ("To Anacreon in Heaven").
8. The iron framework of the Statue of Liberty was devised by French engineer Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, who also built the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
9. The patriotic poem "America the Beautiful" was published on July 4, 1895 by Wellesley College professor Katharine Lee Bates.
10. Father of the country and architect of independence George Washington held his first public office at the tender age of 17. He continued in public service until his death in 1799.
No matter how you celebrate remember those who went before us and those who protect us now: 
A flag waving Marine daughter, ~authoress 
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. ~ George Washington ~
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443 posts 7/3/2009 10:39 am |
He was appointed county surveyor, not exactly a position that involved 'running the country'.  
authoress replies on 7/3/2009 11:51 am: Well thank you Bob77021.
The inference was to George Washington's age and what he ultimately accomplished.
You did not rain on my parade. ~authoress |
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2499 posts 7/3/2009 10:43 am |
re number 10 - we have seen plenty of elderly baffons running countries over the years , maybe a switched on 17 year old would have real energy and some foresight
may i wish a great day for all across the pond this holiday weekend
authoress replies on 7/3/2009 11:37 am: Blackpool, Thank you for your good wishes from afar. Yes, it might be interesting to see what a younger person would do.....a motivated on track person of tender years. Cheers! |
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2183 posts 7/3/2009 12:01 pm |
Have to agree with blackpool. I remember being pretty sure at about that age that my friends and I could do as good a job as the old geezers. Now I am an old geezer and wished I'd have put more effort into righting some wrongs.
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180 posts 7/3/2009 12:40 pm |
Quoting flirty4u: Have to agree with blackpool. I remember being pretty sure at about that age that my friends and I could do as good a job as the old geezers. Now I am an old geezer and wished I'd have put more effort into righting some wrongs.
Flirty, I agree with the young being fearless. If you are an old geezer....I'll have what your'e having! No way Lady! Seasoned at best! ~authoress
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. ~ George Washington ~
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8088 posts 7/3/2009 3:06 pm |
Interesting and informative. This is the 2nd one of yours today I copied for my files. Guess I am not the only one who searches the net for neat info.
"Silver threads are woven into the web of life"
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180 posts 7/3/2009 5:57 pm |
Quoting TussieMussie: Interesting and informative. This is the 2nd one of yours today I copied for my files. Guess I am not the only one who searches the net for neat info.
Tussie, Thank you very much. It is nice to be appreciated LOL
PS- I do know what a Tussie Mussie is....(our secret) 
~authoress
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. ~ George Washington ~
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7047 posts 7/3/2009 7:39 pm |
Very Nice Blog.
I spent time today checking on facts of our country. I just posted a blog to celebrate the 233rd Birthday of our Country and learned or relearned a lot of historical facts!
God Bless the USA!!!
 
"The trouble with nude dancing is that not everything stops when the music stops." - Sir Robert Helpmann - choreographer
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180 posts 7/3/2009 7:52 pm |
Quoting unduplicated: Very Nice Blog.
I spent time today checking on facts of our country. I just posted a blog to celebrate the 233rd Birthday of our Country and learned or relearned a lot of historical facts!
God Bless the USA!!!
 
Thank you Undup, That means a lot to me coming from you, as I have enjoyed your varied topics over time. I will go and see what I can learn from you now! ~authoress
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. ~ George Washington ~
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1 post 7/20/2009 4:17 am |
Another interesting thing about Independence Day - the official meal for Independence Day is salmon - typically served with peas.
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