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You probably have a traditional way you like to celebrate the Fourth of July. Barbecues, fireworks, time spent on the water, or just enjoying a day outside with family and friends are all popular July 4th activities, and a lot of us even get a vacation day from work for the holiday.

But there are a few things you probably don’t know about the day we celebrate America’s independence. Before all the parades and parties, Independence Day marked a monumental day for the Founding Fathers, our country and its citizens. Read on for some fun facts about our favorite summer holiday.

Little-Known Fun Facts About Independence Day

  1. We’re actually celebrating two days late. America didn’t declare its independence on July 4, 1776, though that was the date the “Declaration” was published in newspapers. The official vote for independence from the British monarchy happened on July 2.
  2. It’s a day loaded with history considering three former U.S. presidents died on the date.  Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826, and our fifth president, James Monroe passed away on the 4th in 1831.
  3. Red, white, and blue decorations weren’t always so easy to come by. In the first few years of Independence Day celebrations, people decorated with greenery instead of the colors we use now.
  4. The modern American flag was designed by an Ohio teen for a high school project in 1958. After receiving a B- on the project, the student, Robert G. Heft, actually shipped his flag design to D.C. It became the national flag in 1960.
  5. We’re not alone in our celebrations. The Philippines and Rwanda also have histories of liberation associated with July 4th. In the Philippines it’s known as “Republic Day” and in Rwanda the more literal “Liberation Day.”

Bonus Fact: You know people grill out on the 4th, but maybe you don’t know quite how many. The National Sausage and Hot Dog Council (NHDSC) expects Americans to eat 150 million hot dogs on July 4th. Hope you’ve got them on your grocery list!