4th of July trivia

This weekend we will be celebrating the 4th of July. Picnics, fireworks, parades, barbecues, mini-vacations. It's a time to relax, enjoy family and friends, rejuvenate, and also remember exactly how important this day is.

Since we make lists of things for a living, of course we've created a list of interesting facts related to Independence Day (Census Bureau):

• 2.5 million: Estimated number of people living in this newly independent nation in 1776
• 304 million: Nation's population on July 4th, 2009
• 31: places with “liberty” in their name
• 31: places named "eagle"
• 12: places that have "independence" in their name
• 9: places adopted the name "freedom"
• 5: places in the country named America
• 1: place named "patriot" (Patriot, Indiana w/a population of 192

We are fortunate to live in this country that is not torn with war, that we can travel from state to state without barriers, that we can speak out against our government without being arrested (or worse). Our forefathers fought for this freedom, and gave us this independence, generations ago.

Let us all remember, while celebrating, that many people have given their life for our freedom in all the years since. May we all celebrate it, showing the respect and appreciation they each deserve!

"... and crown thy good with brotherhood; from sea to shining sea!"

Happy Independence Day!