May The Fourth (of July) Be With You #TBT

Today's blog post was originally published last year:

Happy 4th of July to my friends in the US (and everywhere else too, since it's July 4th everywhere)!

The Declaration of Independence from Britain was signed on July 4, 1776 and is celebrated as Independence Day or more commonly the 4th of July.

Here are some facts from USA Today that you may not know about this holiday:

1. Congress didn't actually vote for independence on July 4
2. The Fourth of July didn't become an official holiday until over a century after America declared its independence.
3. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington gave his soldiers a special treat for the holiday.
4. In a bizarre coincidence, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826 — the nation's 50th birthday.
5. Calvin Coolidge is the only president to be born on July 4.
6. The United States isn't the only country to celebrate independence on July 4.
7. Celebrating with fireworks is as old as the holiday itself.
8. And today, fireworks are a massive industry.
9. July 4 is the biggest hot dog day of the year.

Here's some information on the 4th of July parade here in Modesto and here's some info on fireworks shows in the area.

The link for the Modesto 4th of July parade is still valid but here's an updated link for fireworks this year.

Interesting days

Today - Independence Day, Independence From Meat Day, Barbecue Day, Spareribs Day, Caesar Salad Day and Jackfruit Day

Tomorrow - Apple Turnover Day, Bikini Day and Mechanical Pencil Day

Next Thursday - World Population Day and Blueberry Muffin Day

August 4 - Psychic Day, Friendship Day, Coast Guard Day, Sisters’ Day, Mead Day, Assistance Dog Day, Doll Day and Single Working Women’s Day