surprising us facts

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i was surfing on the web and found some really surprising facts so i would like to share with you 1)Independence day commemorates the formal adaption of the Decleration of Independence on july 4 1776 , however it was not declared a legal holiday until 1941. 2)Fireworks were made in China as early as the 11th century. The Chinese used their pyrotechnic mixtures for war rockets and explosives. 3)Uncle Sam was first popularized during the war of 1812,when the term appeared on supply containers.Believe it or not , the U.S congress didnt adopt him as a national symbol until 1961. 4)There many precise rules for taking care of the American flag. And speaking of flag traditions, i am sorry to report that contrary to legend,historical research has failed to confirm that Betsy Ross has sewed the first flag. 5)Not all the members of Continental Congress supported formal Declaration of Independence, but those who did were passionate about it. One representative rode 80 miles by horseback to reach Philadelphia and break a tie in support of independence. 6)The first two versions of the Liberty Bell were defective and had to be melted down and recast. The third version rang every fourth of july from 1778 to 1835, when according to tradition it cracked as it was being tolled for the death of Chief Justice John Marshall. 7)(the most funny one)The american national anthem the `Star-spangled Banner` is set to the tune of an English drinking song.(To Anacreon in Heaven) 8)The iron framework of the The Statue of Liberty was devised by French engineer Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel,who also built the Eiffel Tower in Paris. 9)The patriotic poem `America the Beautiful` was published on July 4.1895 by Wellesley College professor Katharine Lee Bates. 10)Father of the country and architect of independence George Washington held his first public office at the tender of age 17.He continued in public service until his death in 1799. i really laughed and surprised most to the 7th one . what are your opinions ? you ever heard about these before ? and which one you surprised most ?