Happy Fourth of July!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, most everyone knows that tomorrow is the Fourth of July - the annual celebration of our American Independence Day when our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence from British rule. We wouldn’t officially become the United States of America for a few years - there were some battles and beta tests about the name - but July 4, 1776 was the day this nation is considered to have been born. 

It might be interesting to note that this was not a quick process.  The original resolution for independence was submitted on June 7 by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. A few days later, The Committee of Five was appointed to draft an announcement of independence. 

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston debated and came up with initial wording and phrases. Then, between June 11, 1776, and June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson locked himself in the second floor of a three-story private home he was renting in Philadelphia and wrote the Declaration of Independence. 

More debate ensued and a chunk of Jefferson’s rhetoric was removed for political reasons. On July 2, the Continental Congress voted to approve it and the signing began. Rumor has it, it wasn’t fully signed until August 2, 1776. But since Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin all attested that they signed it on July 4, it is forever remembered as our freedom anniversary day. 

But did you know there are other holidays that share the date of July 4?

Alice in Wonderland Day

It’s hard not to speculate on the timing of this particular holiday that is much more popular in England. But July 4 does coincide with the publication of Lewis Carroll’s fantasy novel in 1865.

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson was already a bit of a well-known writer when the Liddell family moved in nearby. The stories Carroll would tell thrilled the children, especially the eldest daughter Alice, who he made the main character. He bound the stories into a gift book for the girl’s birthday and a year later, at their encouragement, self-published the instant hit novel. 

Now on July 4th, fans host celebrations as influenced by the movie adaptations of Carroll’s two novels. People will dress in costumes, invite friends to themed tea parties, and read selections from the books.

National Invisible Day

Here’s a strange one. No, it’s not based on the novel by Ralph Ellison, the novel by HG Wells, or the horror film from Blumhouse, although they all have some connection. Many people in America feel like they are not always noticed or paid attention to, even when they’re standing in front of others. Ellison’s novel focused on the invisibility of African American people. Wells’ novel touches on this when his main character goes insane after becoming invisible. The Blumhouse film focuses on how women being abused are often unseen. 

As for the origins of this holiday, those seem to have disappeared. It’s not uncommon in this world for people to feel lost, lonely, and unseen. So Invisible Day is also an acknowledgment of mental health issues. If you’re feeling like you want to vanish, seek help: call or text 988 for someone to talk to who cares.

National BarbeQued Spareribs Day

Now, this holiday makes perfect sense to coincide with the Fourth of July. While burgers and hot dogs are still the number one grill items eaten on Independence Day, BBQ spareribs are definitely near the top of the list. Choose beef or pork ribs, slather or marinate them in your favorite rub, and toss them on the grill! 

Memphis, Kansas City and St. Louis are the most well-known variations on ribs, but don’t ignore the unique twists of the Texas, Carolina, and Alabama white style spareribs.

Independence From Meat Day

On the flip side of National Barbequed Spareribs Day, for some folks this is a terribly tragic day. We’re (mostly) kidding, but we know some folks can’t or prefer not to eat meat, even on a national holiday that seems to be celebrated around the backyard grill. Just think of it as counter programming for the vegans and vegetarians around the country. 

Independence From Meat Day was founded by the Vegetarian Awareness Network in Knoxville, Tennessee. It provides a contrast to traditional meat-centric celebrations by encouraging a plant-based alternative. You can try it out by grilling portobello mushroom caps, eggplant and zucchini alongside the burgers and hot dogs. Maybe put the grilled corn on the cob in between. You can also find Beyond Burgers and other plant-based meat alternatives at the grocery store. 

Here at Good News Pest Solutions, we will be out of the office so our employees can grill whatever they darn well please - as long as they enjoy it and enjoy our celebration of United States’ freedom. We’re the land of the free and the home of the brave, born nearly 250 years ago. Take a moment to remember that and what our country was founded for: declaring that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.