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Before you sit down today to watch the Grand Parade march through Provo, light your barbecue for a patriotic celebration or set off fireworks to celebrate this nation's independence, do you know where your hot dog originated? How American Fork ranks population-wise among other patriotically named places? How much the country has grown since 1776? Well, here are those answers, and more. 2.5In July 1776, there were 2.5 million people living in the United States. This July 4, the nation's population will be 304 million.
107.2The United Kingdom, the adversary of the United States in 1776, is now the nation's sixth-leading trading partner, with the value of the trade at $107.2 billion. 25,596American Fork is the most populous of the places in the U.S. with "America" in their names. Its population is 25,596. There's also Eagle Mountain, which isn't No. 1 on the list of places named after the national symbol. There are 31 places named "eagle" -- Eagle Pass, Texas, is the most populous, with 26,401 residents. There are also 31 places with "liberty" in their name; 12 places have "independence in their name; nine places with "freedom" in their name; and there's one place named "patriot" -- Patriot, Ind. 4.7The value of U.S. imports of American flags was $4.7 million in 2007. The majority was for flags made in China ($4.3 million). The value of U.S. flags exported in 2007 was $2.4 million, and Mexico was the leading buyer, purchasing more than $1.2 million. 17.6There's a one in four chance that the hot dog or pork sausage grilling on your barbecue came from Iowa, which was home to 17.6 million market hogs and pigs as of March 1. 6.8There's also a good chance your burger came from the Lone Star state. With a total production of 6.8 billion pounds of cattle and calves in 2007, Texas accounted for about one-sixth of the nation's total beef production. 4 And those baked beans? There's a four in 10 chance they came from North Dakota. 207 The value of fireworks imported from China was $207 million in 2007. In comparison, the value of U.S. exports of fireworks was $14.9 million that year. 1942Congress passed the Flag Code in 1942, which dictates how a flag should be displayed and treated. There is no penalty for violating the Flag Code. 1One recent change to the code involves veterans. The law now "allows members and veterans who are present but not in uniform during the hoisting, lowering or passing of the flag to render the military salute." 1782There is no record of the Continental Congress that shows why the flag is red, white and blue. But in 1782, Congress of the Confederation chose those colors for the Great Seal of the United States, and listed its meaning. White for purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice. 21Although the flag may be flown on any day of the year, there are 21 holidays where th Flag Code specifically recommends it. Among these days are, obviously, Independence Day, New Year's Day and Mother's Day. 50Fifty flags of the United States are displayed at the Washington Monument continuously. 1999The Senate began reciting the Pledge of allegiance at the beginning of the day in 1999. 280,800The Old Guard, also known as the 3rd U.S. Infantry, places over 280,800 flags at Arlington National Cemetery
• Sources:Foreign Trade Statistics, Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, Population clock, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Population estimates, American FactFinder, www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html, www.arlingtoncemetery.org/ceremonies/flagsin.html |
