Monday 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 celebrations is the Boston Pops fireworks spectacular, featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” In the U.S. of 1812, the population of 7.2 million had a median age of around 16 years old. Now, today’s population is over 323 million. The median age is the highest in history at 37.7 years. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.