People
This founding father and co-author of The Federalist Papers was the person mostly responsible for drafting the Bill of Rights that became the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
Who was James Madison?
The heads of four celebrated U.S. Presidents carved into a rock outcropping in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
What is Mt. Rushmore?
Pyrotechnic displays. Historically these developed in China prior to 1100 AD.
What are fireworks?
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
Who was John F. Kennedy?
The lyrics come from the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry", written in 1814 after watching the bombardment of that fort from a British ship in Baltimore harbor.
What is the Star Spangled Banner?
This founding father was born 11 February 1731 according to the Julian Calendar in use then, but twenty years later the Gregorian Calendar was adopted by Britain and British colonies, changing his birth date to 22 February 1732.
The Second Continental Congress met there -- 520 Chestnut Street -- from 1775 to 1783. The Declaration of Independence was approved there on 4 July 1776. The Liberty Bell is nearby.
What is Independence Hall?
It isn't an acronym, but a "clipping" that reduces a longer word to a short symbol (e.g. for signs), that began in the 1930s. The cooking style originated in the Caribbean. Sauces are regional.
What is "BBQ"?
"...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Who is Abraham Lincoln?
"As I went walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
Saw below me the golden valley..."
What is This Land is Your Land?
Who the United States declared independence from, played by Jonathan Groff in the musical Hamilton; but we won't be back.
Who was King George III?
The former estate of Mary Custis Lee, wife of Gen. Robert E. Lee, occupied by Union forces during the Civil War. The first military dead were buried there in 1864.
What is Arlington National Cemetery?
From a French word for a "show" of "display", and originally for a halt of horseriders, this procession may include people in historical costumes, local civic groups, miltiary or veterans groups, and marching bands.
What is a parade?
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
Who was Nathan Hale?
A camp song, nonsense version has lyrics:
"Be kind to your web footed friends,
For a duck may be somebody's mother..."
The refrain of the real song has:
"Hurrah for the flag of the free!
May it wave as our standard forever..."
What is Stars and Stripes Forever?
Either of two women, one who lived near Carlisle, PA, the other born in what is now Franklin County, PA, who fought in the U.S. Revolution and commonly cited as possibly being the historical "Molly Pitcher".
Who are Mary Ludwig Hays and/or Margaret Cochran Corbin?
This site is where the "One if by land, two if by sea" signal is said to have been set for the "Midnight Ride" of 18 April 1775.
What is the Old North Church (a.k.a. Christ Church in Boston)?
Independence Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the date the Second Continental Congress approved the wording of the Declaration of Independence, but they passed the resolution actually declaring the thirteen former colonies independent of British rule on THIS date.
When was 2 July 1776?
“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth, universal brotherhood and good will, and a constant striving toward the principles and ideals on which this country was founded.”
Who was Eleanor Roosevelt?
This 15 minute Tchaikovsky composition, commemorating Russia's defense against Napoleon's invasion, includes cannon fire as part of the performance. It is often played during Fourth of July fireworks.
What is the 1812 Overture?
This man, who became Vice-President and then President of the United States, was born on the Fourth of July, in 1872.
Who was Calvin Coolidge?
The House of Burgesses, the first elected legislative assembly in any of the 13 colonies and a precursor for government of the United States, including notable founding fathers Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, met in this community prior to the American Revolution.
What is Williamsburg, Virginia?
These two founding fathers each died within hours of one another, on 4 July 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Who are John Adams and Thomas Jefferson?
"Patriotism is not short, frenzied bursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."
Who was Adlai Stevenson?
Lyrics written in the middle of the Civil War by abolitionist Julia Ward Howe, put to music from the Civil War marching song "John Brown's Body"
It begins: "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord..."
What is Battle Hymn of the Republic?