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The Nicknames Of All 50 States

The United States is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of total area. According to The World Factbook, the U.S. features more than 9.8 million square kilometers (roughly 3.8 million square miles), and the country’s terrain is as diverse as the people who call the nation home. There may be no better way to gain a feel for America and its inhabitants than getting behind the wheel and taking a road trip, but there’s many other ways to gain insight into what makes each state unique. Each state in the United States has at least one nickname, and those monikers can be a fun way to spark discussions and learn more about each of the 50 states that make up the country.

• Alabama: Cotton State, Yellowhammer State

• Alaska: The Last Frontier

• Arizona: Grand Canyon State

• Arkansas: Natural State

• California: Golden State

• Colorado: Centennial State

• Connecticut: Nutmeg State, Constitution State

• Delaware: The First State, Diamond State

• Florida: Sunshine State

• Georgia: Peach State, Empire State of the South

• Hawaii: Aloha State

• Idaho: Gem State

• Illinois: Prairie State, Land of Lincoln

• Indiana: Hoosier State

• Iowa: Hawkeye State, Corn State

• Kansas: Sunflower State

• Kentucky: Bluegrass State

• Louisiana: Pelican State, Creole State, Sugar State

• Maine: Pine Tree State

• Maryland: Free State, Old Line State

• Massachusetts: Bay State, Old Colony State

• Michigan: Wolverine State, Great Lake State

• Minnesota: North Star State, Gopher State, Land of 10,000 Lakes, Land of Sky-Blue Waters

• Mississippi: Magnolia State

• Missouri: Show Me State

• Montana: Treasure State, Big Sky Country

• Nebraska: Cornhusker State, Beef State

• Nevada: Silver State, Sagebrush State, Battle Born State

• New Hampshire: Granite State

• New Jersey: Garden State

• New Mexico: Land of Enchantment

• New York: Empire State

• North Carolina: Tar Heel State, Old North State

• North Dakota: Flickertail State, Sioux State, Peace Garden State

• Ohio: Buckeye State

• Oklahoma: Sooner State

• Oregon: Beaver State

• Pennsylvania: Keystone State

• Rhode Island: Ocean State, Little Rhody

• South Carolina: Palmetto State

• South Dakota: The Mount Rushmore State

• Tennessee: Volunteer State

• Texas: Lone Star State

• Utah: Beehive State

• Vermont: Green Mountain State

• Virginia: The Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents

• Washington: Evergreen State, Chinook State

• West Virginia: Mountain State

• Wisconsin: Badger State, America’s Dairyland

• Wyoming: Equality State

Did You Know?

Names like John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and, of course, John Hancock might instantly come to mind when pondering the men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But what about the remaining signatories to the founding document of the United States? According to the National Archives, 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence, and even historians and armchair history buffs might be hard pressed to name all 56 signers of the pivotal document. Some might even be surprised to learn that various notable figures from the era were not among the 56 signers on the Declaration of Independence, a list that includes Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and George Washington. George Mason, another influential figure of the era, also decided against signing the Declaration of Independence, citing its lack of a “Bill of Rights” as motivation for keeping his pen to himself.

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The American Civil War is the deadliest conflict in United States history. Though the precise number of casualties remains unknown, a 2011 analysis from demographic historian Dr. J. David Hacker estimated that three quarters of a million people lost their lives during the American Civil War. Dr. Hacker’s research was met with praise by Civil War historians, and his estimate is just one of many notable facts about this pivotal conflict in American history.

• The National Park Service notes incomplete and destroyed enlistment records from the Confederate Army complicate efforts to determine how many soldiers fought in the American Civil War. However, historians estimate the total number of soldiers is somewhere between three and four million.

Notable Facts About The American Civil War

The NPS notes nearly 2.7 million combatants enlisted for the Union Army, while estimates for the Confederate Army range between 750,000 and a little more than 1.2 million.

• The American Battlefield Trust reports that the Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle

of Pittsburg Landing, featured unprecedented carnage over two days in April 1862. The battle enabled Union troops to penetrate the Confederate interior, but the cost was steep, producing more casualties than any conflict on the American continent to date. By the time the battle ended,

more than 13,000 Union troops had died while Confederate losses neared 11,000.

• American Civil War nurse and eventual founder of the American Red Cross Clara Barton was tending to a wounded soldier during the Battle of Antietam in September 1862 when a bullet ripped through her sleeve. Though Barton was unharmed, the bullet killed the man she was trying to help.

• Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. is best remembered for his lengthy tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court, which began in 1902 and ended in 1932, when Justice Holmes was 90 years old. But long before Justice Holmes took a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court, he was a combatant in the American Civil War, during which he was

injured on three separate occasions.

• Kentucky Senator John J. Crittenden had two sons who became major generals during the American Civil War. Though that’s notable on its own, it’s even more so given that Senator Crittenden’s sons fought on opposite sides. A third son served in the Union Army as well, attaining the rank of colonel, while two of the Senator’s grandsons also fought in the conflict,

with one fighting for the Confederate Army and the other serving in the U.S. Navy under Union Rear Admiral David Farragut.

• President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address in 1863 is well-known for its brevity. But Edward Everett, who spoke before President Lincoln at the dedication ceremony of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, spoke for more than two hours.

5 Great Places To Celebrate The Fourth Of July

Americans celebrate Independence Day every July 4th, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence and a newly-founded nation’s freedom from British rule. Although just about anywhere in the United States is a good place to celebrate the Fourth of July, certain places can make the holiday that much more poignant. Here are five unique places to celebrate America’s birthday.

1. Delaware: Celebrants can head to Delaware, which is home to popular seaside towns like Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach and state parks like Cape Henlopen. Delaware became America’s first state when it was the first of the original 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

2. New York, NY: The bright lights of the Big Apple may seem a little dimmer when compared with the fireworks display that takes place in the waters surrounding Manhattan and outer boroughs. New York City can be an exciting place to celebrate America’s independence.

3. Boston: Boston has a long and patriotic history and is considered to be the birthplace of the American Revolution, making it an ideal backdrop for July 4 festivities. The Boston Pops

hold a free concert on the Fourth of July, which concludes with the firing of real cannons.

4. Traverse City, Mich.: Revelers can celebrate July 4 in this city and taste cherries in the “Cherry Capital of the World.” Luckily, red cherries make up one of the colors of the American flag’s signature red, white and blue.

5. Washington, D.C.: What better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the nation’s capital? With impressive landmarks, museums to explore, and a parade on Constitution Avenue, D.C. is a festive town come July 4 and one worthy of a visit any time of year.

Explore American History At Historic Trust Sites

America’s semiquincentennial marks a great time to explore 250 years of United States history. There’s no shortage of ways to engage with American history, which has been well documented in books, films, magazines, websites, and more. Visiting a historic preservation site is another way to experience American history. The National Trust for Historic Preservation was founded more than 75 years ago as a means to preserving places that tell a story about America’s history as well as the history of the land that predates the formation of the United States. Many such places exist across the United States, and the following are some those interested in engaging with American history can visit.

• Fioli, Woodside, California: This estate situated on the unceded ancestral lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone serves as a community cultural center featuring 654 acres of stunning landscape. The National Trust notes the estate was originally built as a private residence in 1917 but was opened to the public in 1975. The site features 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens, a roughly seven-acre orchard, and a nature preserve with eight miles of hiking trails.

• Acoma Sky City, Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico: The National Trust notes Acoma Sky City is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. A tour of Sky city may include a visit to San Esteban del Rey, a seventeenth century church. Visitors also may view pueblo dwellings located along the 367-foot-tall mesa that’s been inhabited for nearly 1,000 years.

• Brucemore, Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Iowa’s only National Trust site is among the most significant cultural landscapes in the midwestern United States. Brucemore was constructed in the late nineteenth century and is a must-see locale for anyone interested in the stories of industrialists, artisans, architects, and others during a point in American history that has become synonymous with innovation. Visitors to Brucemore can explore the 26-acre estate and some of its more unique and notable features, including the Tahitian Room and Grizzly Bar added to the estate when Margaret and Howard Hall, the last residents of the mansion at Brucemore, called the grounds home.

• The Shadows, New Iberia, Louisiana: The Shadows was built nearly 200 years ago along the banks of the Bayou Teche. More than 200 men, women and children were enslaved at this site before the start of the American Civil War, and a visit to the site today provides a balanced and nuanced take on what life on a sugar cane plantation was like for property owners and enslaved individuals. A trunk in the attic of the property preserved thousands of letters, photographs, and receipts, which are continuously researched and utilized to provide unique insight into a much-studied period in American history.

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The frequency of giving back to one’s community also may affect just how much volunteering affects mental health.

Study participants who volunteered at least once per month rated their mental health even higher than those who volunteered but did so infrequently.

Lesser Known Founding Fathers Of The United States

When Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States throughout 2026, names like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams are sure to come up. While those men played major roles in the nation’s founding, many other Founding Fathers also made significant contributions. America’s semiquincentennial is an ideal time to recognize all who helped shape the country, including some lesser-known founders whose influence has faded over the past 250 years.

• William Livingston: Born in Albany, New York, in 1723, William Livingston was a prominent attorney before the American Revolutionary War. After moving to Elizabethtown, New Jersey, in 1772, he became New Jersey’s representative to the Continental Congress. In 1776, he was appointed brigadier general of the New Jersey militia and, a year later, became governor of New Jersey, a position he held until his death in 1790. Despite being targeted by British forces, Livingston remained a steadfast supporter of independence and later served as a delegate

to the Constitutional Convention, signing the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

• William Hooper: Born in Boston in 1742, William Hooper established himself as a successful attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina. Appointed Deputy Attorney General of the colony in 1770, he initially supported British authority but later became a strong advocate for independence. Hooper served as a North Carolina delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and earned the nickname “Prophet of Independence” after predicting the colonies would break from Britain. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, Hooper also contributed much of his legal earnings to the Revolutionary cause. His support for independence made him a target of British forces, who burned his home in 1781.

• John Witherspoon: Born in Scotland in 1723, John Witherspoon immigrated to America in 1768 to become president of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University. He is the only active clergyman and college president to sign the Declaration

Fourth Of July Party Tips

of Independence. Witherspoon later signed the Articles of Confederation and supported ratification of the Constitution. During his tenure, the college educated many influential figures, including James Madison and Aaron Burr. A strong supporter of independence, Witherspoon often spoke against British interference in colonial affairs.

• Roger Sherman: Born in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1721, Roger Sherman worked in several professions before studying law and eventually becoming a judge of Connecticut’s Superior Court. Though initially cautious about colonial resistance, he later embraced the independence movement and served as a delegate to the First Continental Congress. Sherman helped draft the Declaration of Independence and contributed to the Articles of Confederation. He remains the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution.

More than 332 million people live in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There’s a good chance that many of those individuals will be hosting or attending parties to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.

Those planning a holiday gathering can keep these tips in mind as they prepare to celebrate with family and friends:

• Use a second grill. Grilling for a crowd can be timeconsuming, especially on a hot summer day. Cut down on cooking time by using an extra grill. Cook hamburgers and hot dogs on one grill and reserve the other for foods like chicken and sausages that require longer cooking times.

• Avoid constant checking. Resist the urge to repeatedly flip, press or move meat while it cooks. Too much handling can cause food to lose moisture and flavor.

• Distract insects. Bees are attracted to sweet scents, while wasps and hornets often gravitate toward meat. Place a saucer of sweet soda and a few food scraps in a distant corner of the yard to lure insects away from guests and dining areas.

• Prioritize pool safety. If your celebration includes

swimming, consider hiring a lifeguard or designating a responsible adult to focus solely on monitoring the pool. Hosts and guests can become distracted, making dedicated supervision especially important.

• Give neighbors advance notice. July 4th gatherings are expected, but it’s courteous to let neighbors know about your plans, including start and end times. If you know them well, consider extending an invitation.

• Leave fireworks to the professionals. Even where fireworks are legal, professional displays are generally safer. Fireworks can create hazards from falling debris, and sparklers can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a significant burn risk.

• Create a patriotic playlist. Use your favorite streaming service to assemble a mix of patriotic songs, summer favorites and party classics. Keep the volume at a level that encourages conversation.

With a little preparation and attention to safety, hosts can create a fun and memorable July 4th celebration for everyone involved.

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July 4, 1776, is an important date in American history that is widely considered the birthday of the United States of America. But some people argue that August 2 should actually be America’s birthday, since that was when the Declaration of Independence was signed. The National Archives says that the Second Continental Congress adopted the United States Declaration of independence on July 4, 1776, formally severing ties with Britain. The approved Declaration was printed on July 5. On July 19, Congress ordered that the document be engrossed on parchment, which is a process of copying an official document in large hand. It is surmised that the engrosser was Timothy Matlock, an assistant to Charles Thomson, secretary to the Congress. It was nearly a month after the Declaration was adopted before the document began to be signed by delegates. The signing of the Declaration of Independence occurred primarily on August 2, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, a building later renamed Independence Hall. John Hancock, who was the President of the Congress, was the first to sign the engrossed copy. Signatures were arranged by states from northernmost to southernmost. Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the document, although not all were present to sign on August 2. Some delegates never managed to sign the Declaration, including Robert R. Livingston of New York, who was a member of the Declaration’s drafting committee.

Prepare Pets For Fourth Of July Festivities

Many people are eager for Independence Day celebrations in early summer. There is much to be excited about, as festivities often begin in the afternoon with barbecues and pool parties, and commence late at night after fireworks shows that light up the night sky. Still, not everyone enjoys the extra noise and

busy nature of July 4th parties, particularly furry members of the family.

Animal control services often report an increase in lost animals between July 4th and July 6th. That’s because the excitement of the holiday puts pets out of their comfort zones. While pet owners need not cancel their July 4th plans, they should take heed of the many ways to

keep their pets safe during the festivities.

Update identification

Be sure prior to any July 4th events that pets are wearing collars with current identification information. If an address or phone number has changed since the last time you updated microchip records, be sure to check the account is current.

Be careful with alcoholic drinks

Party hosts typically serve beer, wine and cocktails. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets, says the ASPCA. Animals can become very intoxicated, severely depressed or go into comas if they drink alcohol. Keep spirited drinks well out of reach.

Check with the vet

Many pets are prone to anxiety from loud noises, such as thunderstorms and fireworks, and lots of commotion — something that occurs in spades come July 4th. Some veterinarians recommend a small course of antianxiety medication or a sedative to help pets cope with the stimuli.

Create a quiet space

Allow pets to ride out the day in their comfortable, quiet and cozy retreats. If necessary, create a space in an interior room. Cover the

pet crate with a blanket and offer favorite toys or bedding to create a soothing environment.

Place notes on doors and gates

While it’s best to keep pets in a locked room away from the fray, some pets like to socialize with guests and are not bothered by noises. However, alert guests with notes posted on doors and fence gates to check to make sure pets are not trying to escape behind them. All doors should be closed firmly when entering or exiting.

Pick up debris

Firework debris can rain down on properties even if you were not shooting off the fireworks. Curious pets may pick it up or eat it, which runs the risk of an upset stomach or even an intestinal blockage.

Check your yard before letting pets out to play.

Keep an eye on the grill

Pets can be opportunists, and those burgers and chicken drumsticks smell delicious to pets. Pets that get too close to the grill can become injured. And if pets eat leftovers, they may end up with digestive distress or even be poisoned by foods that are toxic to cats and dogs.

Expand Your Grilling Horizons This

July 4

The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate the birthday of the United States of America. Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in various ways, many of which involve spending time outdoors with family and friends. Grilling delicious foods often is part of the July 4 game plan. Burgers, hot dogs and chicken drumsticks will never fall out of favor for Fourth of July fare, but savvy grillmasters know to pepper the offerings with foods that will tempt palates in unique ways. This recipe for “Grilled Eggplant with Feta and Greek Couscous” from “Cooking Light Fresh Food Superfast” (Oxmoor House) by the Cooking Light Editors appeals to vegetarians, vegetable lovers and anyone who wants something a little lighter from the grill.

Greek Couscous

Makes 4 1-cup servings

2 cups hot cooked whole-wheat couscous

1⁄4 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

20 grape tomatoes, quartered

1 15-ounce can no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Grilled Eggplant With Feta And Greek Couscous

Serves 4

2 small eggplants (about 1 pound each), each cut into 4 lengthwise slices

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1⁄2 cups (6 ounces) crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

Greek couscous

Oregano sprigs (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat grill.

2. Drizzle eggplant slices with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill 6 minutes on each side or until tender. Sprinkle eggplant with cheese; grill 2 minutes or until cheese melts.

3. While eggplant grills, prepare Greek Couscous.

4. Place 2 eggplant slices on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 1 cup couscous. Garnish with oregano sprigs, if desired.

JULY HAPPENINGS

SATURDAY, JULY 4th

thru MONDAY, JULY 6th

2026 FOURLEAF AIR SHOW AND FIREWORKS

at Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. The New York State Ofﬁce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the 2026 FourLeaf Air Show and Fireworks at Jones Beach State Park! Festivities will kick off on Saturday, July 4, Independence Day, with a Fireworks Program from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Following Fireworks will be the FourLeaf Air Show, on Sunday, July 5, and Monday, July 6 at 10:00am – 3:00pm, which will feature the United States Navy Blue Angels as the headliner. Created out of a desire to salute America’s heroes and bring a truly patriotic event to Jones Beach State Park, the FourLeaf Air Show has grown into the premier North American air show for the United States’ Semiquincentennial (250th) Anniversary! No general admission ticket needed to attend, just a $10 Vehicle Use Fee onsite. For additional information about the Jones Beach Chalet experience please contact jonebeachchalet@parks. ny.gov or call 631-321-3510

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8th

7:00PM

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: STRAWBERRY FIELDS –BEATLES TRIBUTE

FRIDAY, JULY 10th

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: SOMETHIN' FRESH

The Town of Babylon hosts its 2026 Summer Concert Series at the Tanner Park Bandshell, 400 Baylawn Avenue in Copiague. Join us for an evening of live music as part of the Town of Babylon’s Summer Concert Series. Featuring free weekly outdoor performances and tribute bands.

4th - Independence Day

MAKE A SUBMISSION! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a great night of entertainment. Weather permitting. For more information, please visit https:// townofbabylonny.gov/calendar.aspx

SATURDAY, JULY 11th

9:00AM-1:00PM

AMITYVILLE FARMER'S MARKET

The Amityville Farmer's Market runs Saturday mornings on the Great Lawn at 25 Broadway in Amityville, next to the historic First United Methodist Church. Amityville Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Bay Village Civic Association. There will be a local farmer, and many vendors. For more information, contact amityfarmers market @gmail.com or bayvillagecivic@aol.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 18th

10:00AM-4:00PM

WANTAGH PRESERVATION SOCIETY'S 5TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE CAR SHOW

Rain date Saturday July 19th. On museum grounds 1700 Wantagh Ave, in Wantagh. Cars from the 1960's & older. Entrance fee - $1. Refreshments for sale, museum complex sites will be open, 50/50 , music. For more information, email: wantaghmuseum@ gmail.com

THRUJULY 19th

FAIR HOURS: 5:00PM-11:00PM weekdays and NOON-11:00PM

Saturday - Sunday EMPIRE STATE FAIR at Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21+ Enjoy Fireworks by Grucci, midway rides, family entertainment, favorite fair food & more! For more information, please call 866-666-3247 or Empire State Fair

FRIDAY, JULY 24th

7:00PM-11:00PM

DISCO NIGHT

LIVE music by Deverne Williams & The Vintage Soul Band, Buffet dinner, beer/wine/soda, dessert & coffee included. $45 per person. Call Barbara Napoli 631-786-9306 for advance reservations. Brumidi Lodge Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park

MONDAY, JULY 27th thru FRIDAY, JULY 31st

5:30PM-8:00PM VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Ages 4 through 11, $15 per child includes dinner nightly. Complete & return registration form & payment by July 9th, available on the website ALL4GOD.ORG. Community Presbyterian Church, 1843 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information, please call 631-242-0221, churchon231@gmail.com

NOW THRU SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th TIMES VARY

2026 JONES BEACH BANDSHELL SUMMER CONCERT

The New York State Ofﬁce of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation announces the 2026 Bandshell Summer Concert Series at Jones Beach State Park! The Bandshell hosts free events at the Field 4 Boardwalk. Every night through September 6th (excluding July 1st – July 6th) Program is sponsored by the Natural Heritage Trust, WBAB 102.3 and WBLI 106.1 Radio Stations. For up to date information on performance status and schedule, contact Jones Beach State Park at 516-785-1600.

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Each year on July 4, many Americans are in a celebratory mood as they prepare for all the fanfare involved with Independence Day festivities. But Independence Day 2026 stands to be extra special since it marks America’s 250th birthday. Towns, cities and the entire country will be planning much more extravagant July 4 celebrations in 2026. People who want to get in on the America 250 action may want to begin thinking

Decorating For America’s 250th Anniversary

about how they are going to make their homes and businesses more festive.

• Bunting and banners: Bunting and banners are traditional patriotic decorations. They traditionally are red, white and blue and can be hung from porches, fences and railings.

• American flags: Many homes and businesses already display the flag, but this is the perfect opportunity to do so for those who want to

exhibit their pride in America. Be sure to treat the flag with respect and review the official United States Flag Code, which mandates that the flag never touches the ground and is illuminated if flown at night. When hanging against a wall or window, the blue union must be at the top left.

• Specialty signs: Many municipalities are getting in on the America 250 action and

Americans celebrate Independence Day every July 4. The holiday has become synonymous with summer fun, as grand fireworks displays and backyard barbecues are integral components of many people’s July 4 celebrations.

As Americans and residents of the United States prepare for some festive Fourth of July celebrations, they can keep these interesting facts related to Independence Day in mind.

• There have been many iterations of the American flag. The American flag has become an iconic symbol of freedom recognized across the globe since the United States declared its independence from Great Britain in 1776. But few July 4th celebrants may know

Interesting Facts Related To Independence Day

that the current version is the 27th iteration of the American flag. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the current version of the flag officially became the flag on July 4, 1960.

• More than half of all Americans own an American flag. A 2023 poll from WalletHub found that 57 percent of Americans own an American flag. And that’s not the only way Americans show their national pride, as the same poll found that roughly one in three Americans intended to purchase patriotic merchandise for July 4th.

• The United States is not the only place to celebrate American independence. Such celebrations occur in various countries, including Australia,

Denmark, Ireland, and Norway. The festivities in Rebild National Park in Denmark are believed to be the largest celebration of American independence outside the United States.

• The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates that 150 million hot dogs are consumed on July 4. Though there’s no corresponding estimate related to how many hamburgers Americans eat on July 4, various reports suggest Americans eat roughly 50 billion burgers annually, so it’s fair to conclude many a burger will be consumed this Independence Day.

• July is a popular month for nations to celebrate their independence. In addition to the United States, various countries, including Algeria (July 5),

Argentina (July 9), The Bahamas (July 10), Belarus (July 3), Burundi (July 1), Canada (July 1), Cape Verde (July 5), Colombia (July 20), Kiribati (July 12), and Liberia (July 26), celebrate their Independence Day in July.

• John Adams, a Founding Father of the United States and the second president in the country’s history, felt Americans should celebrate their independence from Great Britain on July 2. That’s because the Continental Congress voted for

Decorating For America’s 250th Anniversary

independence on July 2, 1776. However, the Declaration of Independence was not approved for two more days, thus making July 4 the day to celebrate America’s independence from Great Britain.

Continued From 19

will organize specialty parades and parties. People can check with local government offices to see if lawn signs will be available. If so, they can be displayed in front of homes or retail stores.

• Tablescapes: Themed America 250 tablecloths can be used for backyard

parties and picnics. Centerpieces of mason jars filled with mini flags and birthday number candles spelling out 250 are another fun idea.

• Cozy accents: Both homeowners and store owners can incorporate cozy accents like wooden blocks or patriotic table runners that display the 1776-2026 theme. Throw pillows and blankets featuring stars and stripes tossed over

an antique rocking chair on a porch or near an entryway is a great way to offer a touch of Americana.

• Lights: Twinkling holiday lights in red ,white and blue can be hung around windows and doors, or wrapped around trees in the yard for festive appeal.

Communities may identify specific decorating goals, like entire streets

featuring paper lanterns, or America 250 flags on telephone poles. Residents can participate in such plans where possible.

America’s 250th

birthday certainly is worthy of celebration and lots of patriotic decor can commemorate this special event.

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, some may wonder where the name “America” comes from. According to the Library of Congress, it is derived from Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who suggested the lands reached by Christopher Columbus in 1492 were part of a separate continent. In 1507, German mapmaker Martin Waldseemüller honored Vespucci by naming the region “America” on a map—the first to depict it as a separate continent—now held by the Library of Congress and often called “America’s Birth Certificate.”

Happy 250th Birthday America

I’m proud to call this country home because “home” means something in America. It always has. Home is where lasting friendships are formed, a lifetime of memories are made, and our biggest dreams are realized.

Wishing my neighbors, our local towns, and this great nation a very happy 250th birthday.