Photo: PixabayOn July 4, 1776, history changed forever with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which lead to 13 colonies gaining their independence and the nation we know today coming to life.
The Fourth of July is traditionally celebrated around the nation in a myriad of ways, whether it be family gatherings, barbecues, parades, concerts, days off from work or an abundance of fireworks, and this year should prove to be no different.
As we take time to reflect on the importance and impact July 4, 1776, had on the United States of America, take a look at other facts and statistics about the holiday that have been gathered over the years through surveys performed by the U.S. Census Bureau.
A little history
According to the National Archives, the main reason behind the Constitution being ratified was because the writers promised to add the Bill of Rights. These first 10 amendments to the Constitution gave citizens more confidence in the new government, and the House passed a joint resolution containing 17 amendments based on James Madison’s proposal.
The Senate changed this joint resolution to only consist of 12 amendments, and a joint House and Senate Conference Committee settled the remaining disagreements.
President Washington sent copies of the 12 amendments adopted by Congress to the states on Oct. 2, 1789, and by Dec. 15, 1791, three-fourths of the states had ratified 10 of these, now known as the Bill of Rights.
Statistics show
According to Historical Statistics of the United States: 1789-1945, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation in July 1776 was around 2.5 million. As of July 1, 2018, the nation’s estimated population was 327 million.
In total, there were 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Among these were a committee of five who drafted the declaration: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston.
Of these 56, John Hancock, a merchant by trade, was the first to sign. Franklin, the Pennsylvania representative, was the oldest of the signers coming in at the age of 70, and Edward Rutledge of South Carolina was the youngest at the age of 26.
In 2018, the value of fireworks imported into the United States reached approximately $332 million.The value of fireworks sales by establishments classified as NAICS 453998 reached approximately $368.6 million in 2012.
The value of U.S. imports of American Flags in 2018 was around $6.3 million, and the value of U.S. flags exported in 2018 reached about $20.8 million.
Safety first
While holidays are all about spending time with family and having fun, it’s important to make sure your customers are always being safe when it comes to using fireworks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in a typical year, Independence Day fireworks account for two of the five of all reported U.S. fires, more than any other cause of fire. On average each year, the NFPA reports fireworks start 18,500 fires, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and 16,900 outside and other fires.
Forty-seven of the 50 states permit the use of consumer fireworks, but the definition of what is considered “consumer” varies from state to state. Your customers can check out their local laws here.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety advises the following tips:
- Obey all local laws regarding fireworks.
- Read cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- A responsible adult should supervise fireworks at all times.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
- Fireworks should be lit outside away from buildings and vehicles.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Always have a bucket of water and a connected water hose nearby.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from combustible materials.
- Ensure all pets and animals are away from fireworks noise.
- Don’t point fireworks at people.
