As I always mention in my editorials, it is important to stay true to the meaning of our national holidays. One great local event that I always enjoy is the reading of the Declaration of Independence at Congress Park. If you¹ve never been there, it is well worth your time. And I urge you to bring the entire family. This year it will take place at 9:15 p.m., followed immediately by the fireworks.
Do you think you know your American History? It has been a long time since many of us were in high school, so I thought it would be fun to test our knowledge. I know I missed a few so I will need to brush up.
Good luck and God Bless America!
1. What historical event do Americans celebrate on the Fourth of July?
A) Official signing of the Declaration of Independence
B) George Washington’s birthday
C) The first shots of the American Revolution
D) Formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence
2. Which newspaper first printed the Declaration of Independence?
A) The Philadelphia Eagle
B) The New York Times
C) The Pennsylvania Evening Post
D) The National Enquirer
3. What was the initial date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress?
A) July 1, 1776
B) July 2, 1776
C) July 3, 1776
D) July 4, 1776
4. When were fireworks first used in an official Fourth of July celebration?
A) 1777
B) 1812
C) 1876
D) 1901
5. Which two signers of the Declaration of Independence later served as President of the United States?
A) George Washington and Ronald Reagan
B) John Hancock and Thomas Jefferson
C) John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
D) John Adams and George Washington
6. Which two U.S. presidents died on July 4 in the same year?
A) Thomas Jefferson and John Adams
B) James Monroe and Martin Van Buren
C) Millard Fillmore and Andrew Johnson
D) William Howard Taft and Warren G. Harding
7. How many people were living in the United States of America on July 4, 1776?
A) 2.5 million
B) 9 million
C) 15 million
D) 30 million
8. Which of the following was not one of the original 13 American Colonies?
A) North Carolina
B) Georgia
C) Massachusetts
D) Vermont
Answers: 1. D 2. C 3. B 4. A 5. C 6. A 7. A 8. D
