July 4th – How we celebrate
As a nation, we celebrate our independence in a big way. Cities, towns, organizations, families and individuals go all out to mark the birth of our nation. Here is part two of facts & figures; this time, the numbers around some of the ways we celebrate. (See yesterday’s post for food related stats.)
Fireworks (aka Red, White and Boom! here in Central Ohio)
Of our total $202 million spend on fireworks last year, a whopping $193 million went to China. On the flip side, the U.S. only exported $28 million, with nearly $6 million in fireworks going to Australia.
All those flags we wave!
Did you know that we import nearly $3.4 million in U.S. flags? Of that amount, $3 million goes to, once again, China. I’m surprised all U.S. flags aren’t made in the U.S.!
The dollar value of flags we exported last year was $569,000, with nearly a third of them going to Belgium. I wonder why?
The total dollar value of all flags, banners, and similar emblems shipped across the U.S., according to our last census, was $349 million. That’s a lot of flag stickers!!
Everyone loves a parade!
Nearly every town in the country hs a parade on the 4th of July. Even many neighborhoods have their own mini-parades where children can decorate their bikes and ride them proudly down a main street. According to their website, the National Independence Day Parade ”takes place annually on July 4th at 11:45 am in Washington, D.C., on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street before a street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators.
The Parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP’s, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants.
The Parade is a major national event which seeks to draw the attention of Americans to the real meaning for the holiday. It is a patriotic, flag-waving, red white and blue celebration of America’s birthday!”
Toe-tapping, heart-pounding music in the air
Many communities also have a patriotic concert, either as part of the day’s festivities or as a prelude to the fireworks celebration. Our national musical celebration, A Capitol Fourth, takes place on the South Lawn of the White House. It will be broadcast live on PBS at 8:00 Saturday evening with Jimmy Smits hosting. Set your DVR if you won’t be home to watch. The patriotic music of the U.S.A. is always inspiring!
What are you and your family doing to celebrate the day? What special traditions does your community have?
Tags: Community, Culture, Holidays
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