By Robert Dilenschneider
The July 4th Holiday is almost upon us and this moment affords an opportunity to remember the many positive ideals this country stands for.
Everyone comes to the United States to succeed. It has been the land of opportunity since its founding. Few migrate to nations other than this one to succeed.
In every corner of the U.S., men and women speak out freely with no fear of retribution. That is not the case in most nations of the world.
U.S. citizens worship where they want to and in ways they want to. This, again, is a freedom not enjoyed in many other parts of the world.
On this special weekend, when you reflect upon these freedoms, recognize the debt of gratitude you owe to all the brave American men and women now serving in three different war zones around the world in defense of our freedoms. We owe a great deal to these warriors many of whom will be coming back one day in challenged situations.
Let’s acknowledge this: the United States, whatever its faults, is an exceptional and exalted nation – still a beacon to the world. Our challenge is to keep it that way and to embrace it.
Now, as this upcoming July 4th weekend approaches, here are some interesting demographic and place-name statistics related to the holiday and its significance:
• In July, 1776, 2.5 million people lived in the newly independent nation. Today, there are almost 312 million people living here;
• There are 31 places nationwide with “liberty” in their name. The most populous one, as of April 1, 2010, is Liberty, Missouri (29,149 residents). Iowa has four;
• Thirty-five cities, towns, and villages have “eagle” in their name—after the majestic bird that serves as our national symbol. The most populous such place is Eagle Pass, Texas with 26,248 residents;
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Eleven places have “independence” in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Missouri, with 116,830 residents;
• Nine U.S. localities adopted the name “freedom.” New Freedom, Pennsylvania, with 4,464 residents, has the largest population among those;
• There is only one place named “patriot” — Patriot, Indiana, with a population of 209;
• And what could be more fitting than spending the Fourth of July in a place called “America?” There are five such towns in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah — population 26,263.
• The value of U.S. manufacturers’ shipments of fireworks and pyrotechnics is approximately $231.8 million;
• The odds are about 1 in 3 that your side dish of baked beans originated in North Dakota, which produces 36 percent of the nation’s dry, edible beans;
• There is a 50% chance that the potatoes from your potato salad or chips came from Idaho or Washington State, which together account for half the U.S. potato production;
• More than 81 million Americans will take part in a barbecue this July 4th.
This is a great holiday—enjoy it!
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Robert
Dilenschneider runs The Dilenschneider Group in New York.
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