Independence Day by the numbers

In 1776, 56 delegates from 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence and founded our great nation. As Americans everywhere get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July with parades, fireworks and backyard cookouts, let’s look at some other interesting facts and figures about this beloved holiday.

2: The number of delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence and went on to become President. They were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

13: The number of stars on the first American flag. The stars represented the union of the 13 founding colonies, while the 13 red and white stripes represented the colonies themselves. Today, the flag displays 50 stars, one for each state, while the stripes remain unchanged.

27: The number of different versions of the flag in our nation’s history.

32: The percentage of Americans who watch a Fourth of July parade.

62: The percentage of Americans who own a Star-Spangled Banner.

80: The percentage of Americans who celebrate our nation’s independence by attending a barbecue, picnic or cookout.

16,000: The number of fireworks displays held to celebrate Independence Day each year.

40,000: The number of shells used in the Macy’s Fourth of July show in New York City. It’s the largest fireworks display in the nation.

46, 900, 000: The number of Americans expected to travel more than 50 miles to celebrate
Independence Day with friends and relatives.

150,000,000: The estimated number of hot dogs consumed on the Fourth of July, which is enough to stretch from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. five times.