I usually update this blog on the 4th of July every year \u2014 I often mention the Porta Potty that arrives across the street annually somewhere around the first of July and sticks around for a week and a half or so. I also usually try to write something about the history of our Independence Day celebrations. This year, the traditional celebration on the National Mall is going to be bigger, better and more beautiful than ever, so maybe next year, I can talk about that.<\/p>\n
Every year it seems to get a little more difficult to mention (without repeating) \u201cfacts\u201d or interesting things\/stories about America\u2019s Birthday\u2026 but nonetheless, here\u2019s this years attempt:<\/p>\n
We all know that Thomas Jefferson was the drafter the Declaration of Independence, but not everyone knows that he did it on what was, I\u2019d say, the \u201claptop\u201d of the time. It was a kind of writing desk that could fit on one\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n
Jefferson\u2019s original draft of the famous document contained the words \u201cthe pursuit of Property\u201d but he changed it to \u201cthe pursuit of happiness.\u201d (Not that it matters, but I think he made the right decision to change it.)<\/p>\n
The Liberty Bell had nothing to do with July 4th. It wasn\u2019t even called the Liberty Bell until the 1830s \u2014 that\u2019s when it also got its famous crack.<\/p>\n
Thomas Jefferson\u2019s original draft of the Declaration of Independence was lost and the one eventually signed is kept at the National Archives.<\/p>\n
The printed version of the Declaration was called the Dunlap Broadside \u2014 200 were originally printed, but only 27 are currently accounted for. One of the 27 was found on the back of a picture frame at an auction and sold for $8.14 million to television producer Norman Lear. It now travels the country to be displayed to the public.<\/p>\n
For the first time, the big 4th of July bash on our street is not being held on the 4th \u2014 it will supposedly happen Saturday of this week. They may call it a 4th of July party, but it\u2019s not. A 6th of July party just have the same impact and to make things even more disturbing, there is no 4th of July Porta Potty. I\u2019m guessing it\u2019ll arrive before Saturday \u2014 I\u2019ll keep you posted\u2026.
\nIn the meantime, Happy Birthday America \u2014 hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th!
\n\u2014 30 \u2014<\/p>\n
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I usually update this blog on the 4th of July every year \u2014 I often mention the Porta Potty that arrives across the street annually somewhere around the first of July and sticks around for a week and a half … Continue reading