— Our nation’s patriotism wanes from time to time, and that’s a shame. But on holidays such as the Fourth of July, our love of country and spirit for freedom are oh so obvious.

The Fourth of July – Independence Day – commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring our nation’s separation from Britain.

In churches and synagogues over the weekend, many congregations joined in singing traditional patriotic songs along with the standard religious hymns.

Others observed the upcoming holiday in other ways.

During a parade at a recent Johnstown motorcycle rally, hundreds of people clapped and whistled as an honor guard walked by.

Some saluted.

Nothing unusual there.

Motorcyclists historically are a patriotic bunch. Many who now wear the leather once proudly wore the uniforms of their country.     

With the holiday falling at midweek this year, we suspect the number of family gatherings will be down.

But, please, at sometime today, reflect on the meaning of the Fourth of July and why we celebrate this special date.

Think about those unable to be home enjoying picnics, concerts and fireworks; those still fighting a war in Afghanistan, or those stationed in other trouble spots around the world.

Think about our Founding Fathers, who set us on a path to freedom, and those who have served our armed forces over the past 236 years assuring our nation remains free.

Fly your American flag today and every day.

For your reading and educational enjoyment, we offer the following profile facts put together by the U.S. Census Bureau:

* On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation.

* 2.5 million: In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.

* 313.9 million: The nation’s estimated population on this July 4.

* $3.6 million: In 2011, the dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags. The vast majority of this amount ($3.3 million) was for U.S. flags made in China.

* $663,071: Dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2011. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $80,349 worth.

* $302.7 million: Dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation’s manufacturers in 2007, according to the latest published economic census statistics.

* $232.3 million: The value of fireworks imported from China in 2011, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($223.4 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $15.8 million in 2011, with Australia purchasing more than any other country ($4.5 million).

* $231.8 million: The value of U.S. manufacturers’ shipments of fireworks and pyrotechnics (including flares, igniters, etc.) in 2007.

* Thirty-one places have “liberty” in their names. The most populous one as of April 1, 2010, was Liberty, Mo. (29,149).

* Thirty-five places have “eagle” in their names. The most populous one is Eagle Pass, Texas, with a population of 26,248.

* Eleven places have “independence” in their names. The most populous one is Independence, Mo., with a population of 116,830.

* Nine places have “freedom” in their names. The most populous one is New Freedom, Pa., with a population of 4,464.

* One place has “patriot” in its name. Patriot, Ind., has a population of 209.

* Five places have “America” in their names. The most populous is American Fork, Utah, with a population of 26,263.

Happy Fourth of July.

 

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