Independence Day

 

 

There are 175 days until Christmas. That should provide some solace to those who are suffering from the unrelenting Arkansas summer. As we enter the month most notably celebrated for our country’s independence from Great Brittan, we must take time to reflect. This month means so much more than fireworks, floating the river, and great food. Independence Day was the day the Continental Congress stood as one and said with one resounding voice, “No more!” Two hundred and forty years later, the Founding Fathers’ words are still resolute.

 

Facts you may not know about this date:

• Only two of the signers of the Declaration of Independence became president: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
• Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same date: July 4, 1826.
• James Monroe, a Founding Father but not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, died on July 4, 1831.
• Calvin Coolidge is still the only President of the United States to have been born on the 4th of July (July 4, 1872.)
• 1791 was the first time Independence Day was used in print.
• The 4th of July was not a paid Federal holiday until 1938. (Thank you, Franklin D. Roosevelt!)
• Bristol, Rhode Island holds the record for the longest running Independence Day celebration. Their inaugural celebration was July 4th, 1785.

Independence Day is just one of the many celebrations for the month. July is also National Blueberry Month, Anti-Boredom Month, Unlucky Month for Weddings, Cell Phone Courtesy Month, and National Hot Dog Month.

There are also some wacky and special days celebrated during the month:

• International Joke Day
• I Forgot Day
• World UFO Day
• Complement Your Mirror Day
• Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
• Videogames Day
• Embrace Your Geekness Day
• Cow Appreciation Day.

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Regardless if you are attending a public display or are purchasing fireworks for your own enjoyment, please be safe. Each year, more than 10,000 people are burned by fireworks. Children are most at risk, ages 5 to 14 being most susceptible. Firecrackers caused the greatest number of injuries, followed by bottle rockets at 15%, and these are fairly understandable as they are explosive. Surprisingly, sparklers comprised 10% of injuries, which were due to burns. Sparklers burn due to a chemical reaction that causes a thermal reaction. Chemicals are added to create a variety of colors. This thermal reaction burns at an astonishing 1800-3000 degrees F! To put that into perspective, iron’s melting point is 2500 degrees F. Spectators and bystanders are more often injured than those operating the pyrotechnics.

There are other hazards associated with these explosives: fire. An average of 20,000 fires are caused each year in the US by pyrotechnics. Our region isn’t under a burn ban this year, but you still need to use caution and common sense when using fireworks.

• Always have a way to extinguish any fire that may ignite nearby when working with fireworks.
• Have a cup of water to extinguish the sparklers once they have finished burning.
• Follow the directions on the packaging.
• Wear eye protection, as this is the most vulnerable organ and most likely to be damaged.
• Arkansas Children’s Hospital and The National Fireworks Council recommend you leave the fireworks to the professionals; sit back and enjoy the show.

 

As always, we want the residents of Craighead County to have a safe and fun holiday. You're our family, neighbors, and friends; we care about keeping you safe.

Happy 4th of July!

Sheriff Marty Boyd