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July 4 is a big day in American history. Not just because it’s Independence Day, the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but also because it’s the anniversary of several other historically important moments.
There’s the groundbreaking of the Freedom Tower in New York City in 2004, President Lyndon Johnson’s signing of the Freedom of Information Act in 1966, the first performance of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” in 1831, and the surrender of Vicksburg, Mississippi to Union forces in 1863.
July 4 marks the anniversary of the first American Top 40 radio broadcast, too. Casey Kasem, who passed away last month, co-created and hosted the first show on July 4, 1970.
The United States also unveiled its 49- and 50-star flags on July 4, 1959 and 1960, respectively, to honor Alaskan and Hawaiian statehood.
Whether you make history or just memories this year, here’s hoping you have a safe and fun holiday weekend.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the same 4th of July as well.
And then James Monroe died five years later – also on a 4th of July.