As we enjoy the 4th of July weekend with family and friends, backyard barbecues, parades and fireworks, we should also remember what July 4th really means. We celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and our freedom.
Fourth of July Fun Facts
- On July 4th, 1776 there were 2.5 Americans living in the United States. According to the U.S. and World Population Clock there will be 318.36 Americans as of July 4, 2014.
- It’s estimated that 74 million Americans are planning to barbecue this Independence Day weekend.
- The USDA estimates that the total number of hogs and pigs in the U.S. (as of March 1, 2014) is 62.9 million. Chances are that a hot dog or pork sausage consumed on the Fourth of July originated in Iowa, which is home to 19.7 million hogs and pigs.
- 6.1 billion pounds is the total estimated production of cattle and calves in Texas in 2013. There is a good chance that the beef hot dogs, steaks and burgers on your backyard grill came from the Lone Star State, which accounted for nearly one-sixth of the nation’s total production.
- 6.3 million total cases of beer are sold on Independence Day weekend, the most popular holiday for beer purchases, followed by Labor Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day and Christmas.
- 60.2% of U.S. families owned an American flag in 2011.
- 35.5 million people plan to travel by automobile over the July 4th holiday.
- 3.2 million number of travelers will fly during the Independence Day holiday.
Celebrate Philanthropy on the 4th of July Weekend
Our sense of patriotism, pride and appreciation for living in the United States remains as strong as ever, as evidenced by the many celebrations expected across the country this July 4th.
As we celebrate how proud we are to be Americans on the Fourth of July, take a moment to reflect on all the men and women of the military who have given their lives defending our country and considered ways in which you could honor their sacrifice. Why not give with confidence to military and veteran-related charities this Independence Day?
Here is a Philanthropist List of military charities that you can donate to this Fourth of July weekend:
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation
- Armed Services YMCA of the USA
- Fisher House Foundation
- Homes For Our Troops
- Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
- Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America
- National Military Family Association
- Operation Homefront – N.O.
- Semper Fi Fund / Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
- United States Veterans Initiative
The Fourth of July allows us to appreciate the lives and freedom that we have as Americans. The U.S. Military is an important service that helps to protect our country and keep it safe. Give thanks to our military for protecting our freedom by making an effort to participate in philanthropy and also encourage others to give this Fourth of July weekend!
