Fourth of July’s true meaning sometimes lost amid festivities

Tomorrow  is the Fourth of July and for many Americans the true meaning of the holiday will be lost on picnics, parades and fireworks.

So to get that patriotic spirit going we’ve devised a quiz to help remind folks of the history behind the holiday.

1. Why do Americans celebrate the Fourth of July?

A. It was the day the Revolutionary War ended.

B. It was the day the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

C. It was the day George Washington became the country’s first president.

The answer is B. We hope most people got this one right. If you missed it, you don’t deserve second helpings of the potato salad.

2. Do you know who wrote the original draft of the Declaration of Independence?

A. Thomas Jefferson

B. Benjamin Franklin

C. John Hancock

The answer is A. Again, most people should have known this one. If you’ve missed both questions so far, you must sing the national anthem extra loud before the fireworks begin tonight.

3. Do you know long it took Jefferson to write it?

A. A few days

B. A few months

C. About 2 1/2 weeks

The answer is C. Jefferson was part of a committee chosen to write the declaration. It was called the Committee of Five, but the other four members appointed Jefferson to do the writing, while they offered changes and suggestions.

4. Who was on that committee with Jefferson?

A. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman.

B. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere.

C. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Hancock and James Madison.

The answer is A. We will assume you’ve heard of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Robert Livingston represented New York and Roger Sherman represented Connecticut in the Second Continental Congress.

5. One of these two delegates never signed the Declaration of Independence, which one?

A. Robert Livingston

B. Roger Sherman

The answer is A. Robert Livingston was called back to New York before the official signing. If you got that right, you either were lucky or you are a history buff and we apologize that this quiz is so easy for you.

6. When was the signing of the official Declaration of Independence completed?

A. July 4, 1776

B. July 5, 1776

C. Aug. 2, 1776

The answer is C. The Declaration of Independence was adopted July 4, 1776, but the signing was not completed until almost a month later.

7. Which dollar bill depicts the signing of the Declaration of Independence?

A. The $50 bill

B. The $100 bill

C. The $2 bill

The answer is C — no fair if you peeked.

8. Who was president of the Second Continental Congress at the time the Declaration of Independence was adopted?

A. John Hancock

B. John Adams

C. Benjamin Franklin

The answer is A — John Hancock. He also was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence and did so in a large, flamboyant style so there would be no mistaking his name. That’s a history tidbit you should know.

9. What two signers died within hours of each other?

A. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson

B. John Adams and Roger Sherman

C. Thomas Jefferson and John Hancock

The answer is A. Jefferson and Adams both died on July 4, 1826. Yes, that’s right — July 4.

10. What year was the Fourth of July declared a legal holiday?

A. 1941

B. 1935

C. 1910

The answer is A.

Congratulations if you answered our questions correctly. You may celebrate today with a clear conscience, knowing you understand some of the history of the Fourth of July.

For those of you who missed some questions, at least you learned something. Have a fun and safe holiday.