by Pamela Kay

Created on: June 25, 2008

Did you know that John Adams was a psychic? Well, maybe not, but he sure foresaw future celebrations of the 4th of July when he wrote:

"I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other"

INTERESTING 4TH OF JULY FACTS

1-Our fight and victory for independence has inspired others to stand up and speak out for their freedom.

2-After signing his name to the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock said, "There I guess King George will be able to read that."

3-On each 4th of July, the Liberty Bell is tapped but not actually rung.

4-Charles Kuralt, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe all men who loved America, died on July 4th.

5-The lyrics to The Star Spangled Banner have been botched many times. Here are a few who did the deed and later apologized to America:

*Robert Goulet sang, "...the dawn's early night" instead of "dawn's early light."
*Macy Gray sang "Oh say can you see by the twilight's gleaming."
*Leslie Nielsen sang, "and the rocket's red glare, lots of bombs in the air."
*Caroline Marcil totally forgot the lyrics.
*Stephen Tyler changed "home of the brave" to "home of the Indianapolis 500."

6-Benjamin Franklin replied to a comment made by Hancock that they must all hang together by saying: "Yes, we must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately." This was a play on words, which noted that failure to stay united and succeed would lead to being tried and executed, individually, for treason.

7-When teachers ask their students if other countries have a 4th of July, most students answer "no" when the answer is of course "yes." It is just not celebrated by anyone else as a holiday.

8-The first world famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest was held at Coney Island in 1916. It was an spur-of-the-moment event which still draws contestants from around the world today.

BORN OF THE FOURTH OF JULY

1-Gina Lollobrigida-actress.
2-Louis B. Mayer-Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
3-Neil Simon-playwright
4-Eva Marie Saint-actress
5-Ann Landers-advice columnist
6-Abigail Van Buren-Dear Abby
7-George Steinbrenner-Yankees owner
8-Rube Goldberg-cartoonist
9-Stephen Forster-songwriter
10-Calvin Coolidge-President of the United States of America

INTERESTING DATES

*1776*
John Hancock is the only person actually to sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The rest

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