Most days in July seem to focus on food, refreshments, and cooking.

The Fourth of July

Also known as Independence Day, July 4 has been a paid federal holiday since 1941, but the celebration of the day goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4 has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. This year the holiday falls on Monday, July 4, 2022.

John Adams believed that July 2 was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4 events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

In 1781 Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4 an official state holiday, and it officially became a federal holiday in 1870.

The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day.

National Ice Cream Day, National Ice Cream Month

While July 17 is recognized as National Ice Cream Day, it turns out July is Ice Cream Month. In 1984, President Reagan declared July National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday in the month, National Ice Cream Day. Americans eat 23 gallons per annum.

Ice cream is one of the oldest types of desserts. It is believed that the history of ice cream probably started in Iran’s Achaemenid Empire, in roughly 500 BC.

How to celebrate National Ice Cream Day? This seems too obvious to supply an answer.

July 25 National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

July 25 is National Hot Fudge Sundae Day Feast to honor this tasty ice cream dessert that combines hot and cold with a cherry on top. This dessert has been served since 1906. 

While the oldest known record of an ice cream sundae is an Ithaca, NY, advertisement, the Sundae’s inventor is still up for debate. An October 5, 1892 ad in the Ithaca Daily Journal spelled the ice cream treat “Sunday.”  However, Two Rivers, Wisconsin, claims a local druggist serve the first ice cream sundae in 1881. According to the story, a customer ordered an ice cream soda on a Sunday. A local blue law prohibited the sale of ice cream sodas on the Sabbath. To address the blue law problem the druggist served the ice cream in a dish minus the soda. Then he topped it with chocolate syrup.

July 25 National Hire-A-Veteran Day

National Hire a Veteran Day on July 25 reminds employers to consider veterans to fill their open positions. As highly trained and experienced individuals, they are ideal for numerous trades.

Federal law (USERRA) protects service members as they leave the military and enter or reenter the civilian workforce.

For information on Massachusetts programs to help hire veterans visit this link.

See you in August