How amazing is it that I have the freedom to write anything I want in a holiday email? Okay, not anything, this is a highly regulated industry. But the freedoms we have as Americans are second to none and I am excited to celebrate that this Independence Day. This is our holiday to reflect on our common history and think about the endless possibilities and opportunities we have individually and together as a nation.
The word freedom feels heavy, especially in America, in 2024. With culture clashes, inflation rates, violence at all-time highs in our country, and the tensions of another ugly election year, it can feel like something that does not exist anymore. But times have been difficult in our nation before, and they will be again. Since the dawn of our nation, we have experienced and dealt with political tension. The 1800 election was our fourth presidential election and the first to feature a rematch. The nominees were both founding fathers and the election got heated. Thomas Jefferson’s supporters referred to John Adams as having a “hideous and hermaphroditical character,” which seems like it would make a harsh meme in 2024. John Adam’s supporters were not any kinder, referring to Jefferson as a “mean-spirited, low-lived fellow.” It was refreshing for me to learn that even our founding fathers fell into the name-calling and election-year ugliness that has become all too familiar to us in 2024.
Since history tends to repeat itself in many ways, I have hope in our future. I look forward to putting political differences behind and seeing our uniquely American spirit drive us to pioneer new and innovative technologies across all industries.
Now here are a few fun facts about the day:
- While we celebrate July 4th as the official Independence Day, the Continental Congress voted in favor of declaring independence from Great Britain and it was John Adams who said, “The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epocha, in the History of America.”
- July Fourth is the day the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted by Congress and was the day Americans celebrated for the 18th and 19th centuries but it wasn’t an official federal holiday until 1870.
- It wasn’t until 1941 that the day became a paid holiday for federal employees.
- Massachusetts was the first state to make the 4th of July an official state holiday in 1781.
- This year, we will spend $9.4 billion (about $29 per person in the US) on food and eat 150 million hot dogs, enough to stretch across the nation from DC to LA more than five times. We will also spend $4 billion more spent on alcohol this weekend.
- 73% of all firework-related injuries occur within the month of Independence Day.
- Because of all the “patriotism” Independence Day is the third most dangerous holiday in our country, sitting just behind New Years Day and Memorial Day. So please be safe the next few days!
We are grateful to be your trusted advisor and that you allow us the privilege to serve you. Have a safe and wonderful Independence Day!
Chris
