Did You Know....
Trivia about 'Independence'
and Other Things

The following 'trivia' is something that I found and thought would be of interest since so many people take living in the United States for granted. They have privileges of owning homes, having kids, and other freedoms. These are not 'rights' but privileges that impact other people of this land. Be grateful for what you have and not what the other guy has...remember those who gave their best so you could have these privileges.

American Independence was delcared on July 4th. Because the Declaration of Independence is dated July 4th, people associate that date with American independence. In fact, independence was declared first...and was confirmed with the document a few days later.

The Continental Congress declared independence on July 2nd. One of the Founding Fathers, John Adams, is quoted as having written his wife on July 3rd: "The 2nd day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable...in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary Festival."

Actually, the first Independence Day celebraton by the Continental Congress was on July 8th, 1776.

In a hushed hall in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, each signer of the Declaration of Independence proudly and publicly took his turn affixing his signature to the document.

This tale was apparently concocted by Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, who wrote about it in their letters after the event.

Only two people, John Hancock and Charles Thomson, signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. It wasn't until about a month later, on August 2, that the majority of the delegates signed it. And it wasn't until five years later, in 1781, that the last signature was finally added.

The Continental Congress would only admit that Hancock's and Thomson's names were on the document. Everyone else signed in secrecy. It wasn't until the following January that the signers' names were made public.

In the Declaration of Independence as first written by Thomas Jefferson, there was a clause abolishing slavery. Because of popular pressures, however, Jefferson deleted the clause.

After its ratification, the Declaration of Independence was moved about from place to place, finding shelter in ten different cities and five different states between 1776 and 1951. During this time, it twice escaped destruction by fire and was almost captured by the British in both the Revolution and the War of 1812.

Since 1952, the document has been kept in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

The Flag

The colors red, white and blue did not have menings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777. However, the colors in the Great Seal did have specific meanings. The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes on the flag of the United States of America) have the following meanings: White signifies purity and inocence; Red, hardiness and valour; and Blue, the color of the Chief. The broad band about the stripes signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Standards of Respect

---The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

---The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white an dred stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting would be on top.

---The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.

---The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night. The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped or the last note of music.

---The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations.

---When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be receied by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag, it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

---When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th.

---The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.

---No other flag ever should be placed above it. The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.

---When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute. To salute, all persons come to attention. Citizens salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to the left shoulder, hand over the heart.


Flag Purchase

Anyone can purchase a U.S. Flag that has flown over the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. This can be accomplished by writing a letter to your Senator with your request and complete a Capitol Flag Order Form. You may request that your flag be flown on a certain date, such as a birthday or anniversary. Enclosed with your flag will be a Certificate of the 'Architect of the Capitol' certifying that your flag was flown as requested. If you mention in your letter or on your request form that this flag is for any specific occasion, that information will be included on the certificate.

Capitol Flag Order Form, with current fees

God Bless America!

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