My Thoughts on Independence Day

America’s Independence Day (or commonly referred to as “The Fourth of July”) is one of the most misunderstood of all holidays.  Here are some strange, but true facts about this very important holiday:

•              Thomas Jefferson changed the wording on the Declaration of Independence from “the pursuit of property” to the “pursuit of happiness.”

•              Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence, died on July 4th.  They were both bitter rivals and best friends in the end.

•              Only two people, John Hancock and Charles Thompson actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

•              Independence Day was not made an official holiday until 1870 as part of a deal to also recognize Christmas as a national holiday.

•              Americans began observing Independence Day as early as 1777 with a wild celebration in Philadelphia that included a parade, thirteen-gun salute, fireworks, and plenty of alcohol!

•              Eight of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were born in Britain

I will be back next Friday with another issue of Rob’s Rants.  I will be ranting extra hard next week as I take on the sensitive subject of age discrimination in the work place.