The Fourth of July is a great time to get together with friends and family members for BBQ, games, fireworks, and other celebrations in honor of our country’s independence. While your fellow revelers eat hot dogs and wave flags, you can impress them by sharing these fascinating facts and historical tidbits about some of our country’s traditions and symbols from the team at Marina Milstein Orthodontics.
The Statue of Liberty
With a torch in one hand and a tablet in the other, the Statue of Liberty stands as one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols of our country. Yet, as familiar as certain details of the statue might be, few people are aware of the broken shackles at Lady Liberty’s feet. These shackles symbolize oppression and tyranny. The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation informs us that this copper-plated lady tips the scales at an impressive 450,000 tons. Furthermore, she has been hoisting her torch aloft for over 125 years. That must account for some truly remarkable arm strength.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
Since 1916, people have been flocking to Coney Island on the Fourth of July to witness what some people call the “superbowl of competitive eating.” Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest challenges competitors to devour as many hot dogs as they can in just ten minutes, with the current record holder swallowing a whopping 68 hot dogs! If you’d like to witness this bizarre and frenzied eating competition but you won’t be anywhere near Coney Island on the fourth, don’t worry. ESPN has been broadcasting this popular event for several years, so you can watch from the comfort of your couch while you eat a reasonably portioned meal.
The History Behind Fireworks
Viewing the nighttime fireworks display is exciting way to finish off the fourth. Many people know that these brilliant displays probably originated with the Chinese. However, many historians also believe that fireworks were stumbled upon when the Chinese roasted bamboo sticks over fires and watched them explode. After many years of roasting the sticks, a group of alchemists created an early form of gunpowder, which they stuffed into the bamboo sticks to create an even more powerful explosion, paving the way for today’s modern fireworks.
Happy Fourth of July from MMO!
Whether you’re planning on visiting the Statue of Liberty, watching fireworks in Rocklin, or even participating in a hot dog eating contest, Dr. Marina Milstein and our team hope you have a safe and fun-filled holiday. Happy Fourth of July!
