The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, has been a nationally recognized holiday since 1777 and a paid federal holiday since 1938. It represents the United States of America’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence and its freedom from Great Britain (now known as the United Kingdom).

Facts you may or may not know about this celebrated day in history include:

• Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, whose signatures are on the Declaration of Independence, both died on July 4, 1826.
• The Fourth of July also marks an Independence Day for Rwanda, who call it a Liberation Day, marking the anniversary of the end of the Rwandan Genocide.
• Many famous people have been born on July 4 including the country’s 30^th president, Calvin Coolidge and current first daughter, Malia Obama.
• Benjamin Franklin was upset a bald eagle was chosen as the symbol for the United States. It felt was a creature with dishonest character and preferred the choice of a turkey instead, believing it was a more noble bird.
• The Liberty Bell has not been rung since 1846 so we can preserve its structure. Instead we tap the bell thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen colonies to signal for bells across the nation to ring in celebration.
• After thousands of Danes immigrated to the United States, Denmark began to celebrate our independence day in 1912.
• An estimated 150 MILLION hot dogs are consumed by Americans every Fourth of July.
• The Fourth of July is considered one of the deadliest in terms of road accidents on a holiday, so please stay safe this holiday by wearing your safety belts and avoiding driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

MVD Express is proud to be part of such an amazing country. Whether you watched the beautiful city firework display at Balloon Fiesta Park or enjoyed the annual Isotopes game, we hope you had a safe and happy Fourth of July.