July 4th Open Line


Today is the signature American holiday, celebrating the date in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Ours was the first successful colonial independence movement against a European power. Recognition of our nationhood came with the Peace Treaty of 1783. From sea to shining sea, there will be parades, concerts, barbecues, and, of course, fireworks. Among the famous celebrations is the Boston Pops fireworks spectacular, featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” Right around 1812, the median age of the U.S. population of 7.2 million was around 16. Now, today’s population is over 321 million. The median age is the highest in history at 37 and a half years. Profile America is in its 19th  year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.