Weight Loss Wednesday: Happy America Day!

One of my friends on Facebook has renamed the holiday that we celebrate today, the 4th of July. He has coined it America Day (or more specifically 'Merica Day. Check out his Tumblr and I promise you will smile at least once). I really liked this sentiment, as it reminds us that the true name of the holiday is Independence Day, not "fireworks, barbecue and a day off of work." Today we celebrate our freedom and independence.  

Photo courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Instead of a regular weight loss Wednesday post, I am going to share a few things a coworker shared about this great America Day. This nation's independence is the reason that I have the freedom to write in this blog. It is the reason that we are free to assemble, speak our minds and make our own choices! I know it is not a typical Wednesday post, but I hope you enjoy.

·         1776- U.S.A. declared independence from Great Britain.

·         1777- On the 4^th of July, 13 guns were fired once in the morning and once in the evening in Bristol, Rhode Island.  Philadelphia celebrated our country’s first birthday with toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, fireworks, and parades.

·         1778- George Washington marked the 4^th of July with two times the ration of rum for his soldiers.  He also had an artillery salute.  Benjamin Franklin and John Adams held a dinner for fellow Americans in Paris, France.

·         1781- Massachusetts became the first state legislature to recognize the 4^th of July as a significant day.

·         1791- The first recorded use of the name “Independence Day” occurred.

·         1826- On July 4^th, former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died.

·         1870- Congress made the 4^th of July an unpaid holiday for federal employees.

·         1884- In Paris, On July 4^th, the Statue of Liberty was presented to the U.S.A.

·         1941- Congress made Independence Day a paid holiday for federal employees.

Photo courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

As you relax and enjoy your America Day, I hope you will take a minute to ponder, and to teach your children about, the reason most of us are enjoying a day off of work. Have a safe, fun day and a great week. Thanks for reading and sharing this blog!