Celebrate July 4th – America’s Birthday!

Based on the date that the Declaration of Independence was adopted, (July 4, 1776), the United States of America is 241 years old tomorrow!  With the approval of the Declaration of Independence by the 13 original colonies the United States ceased to be a British colony, and found its political identity as a sovereign country and an independent nation.

Despite our political divisions, our warts and blemishes, the United States holds more promise for more people than any other country.  We are lucky to have the resources necessary to continue to succeed despite our self-inflicted challenges.  We have more water than most countries, energy resources that are hard to beat, a temperate climate, a population that generally strives to better themselves and as proven over the years, agricultural productivity that can’t be beaten by any other country…

So…Let's all celebrate what this country has achieved, what the United States of America is and what it can be!

Fourth of July Facts:

·       Only 2 people signed the Declaration of Independence on July Fourth.

·       Most signers of the Declaration of Independence actually signed the document on August 2, 1776.

·       July 4^th became a legal holiday in 1870.  In 1938, Congress reaffirmed the holiday to ensure that all workers received full pay.

·       July 4^th was first celebrated with fireworks in 1777.  Congress chose fireworks as a way to celebrate the first anniversary.  They were ignited over Philadelphia.  The celebration also included bonfires and bells.

·       Only 2,500,000 people lived in the United States when the Declaration of Independence was signed.  The current population is roughly 324,000,000!

This photo shows Myers/Popp family members holding up my father’s American 48 star burial flag from World War II… Many have sacrificed all to maintain our freedom and hopefully we can get past all of this political infighting and divisiveness and move forward, making America stronger than ever and more inclusive for all of its citizens!

Happy Fourth of July 2017!

Take Care,

Big Daddy Dave