Remembering our American heritage
America right now is a nation with a stark political divide. That’s hardly a bulletin. Polls express it empirically, but turn on any TV newscast, on any day, and the split becomes manifest.
Take a historical quiz to test your knowledge of the nation’s founding.
We have been through such turbulent times before and come out of them a stronger nation.
That is what we should celebrate this holiday weekend.
Our nation began with the signing of the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago and, although July 4th has only been a federal holiday since 1941, it is important the we never lose sight of that national heritage.
To that end, Inside Sources offers up Michelle Huben-schmidt, a teacher programs manager at the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio, and her exam to test your knowledge about the meaning of July 4, which is about much more than picnics and fireworks.
We recommend you give it a try:
1. The Declaration of Independence wasn’t actually signed on the 4th of July. Which day was it officially signed? A. July 2, 1776 B. Aug. 2, 1776 C. Nov. 15, 1777 D. March 1, 1781
2. Which monarch reigned over the colonists at the time of the American Revolution? A. Queen Elizabeth B. Queen Victoria C. King George II D. King George III
3. Who famously said, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me Liberty or give me death!” A. Nathan Hale B. Samuel Adams C. Patrick Henry D. Paul Revere
4. Which signer has the largest signature on the Declaration of Independence? A. George Washington B. Thomas Jefferson C. Roger Sherman D. John Hancock
5. Which country assisted the colonists with financial and military aid during the Revolutionary War? A. England B. France C. Canada D. Netherlands
6. Who was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence? A. George Washington B. Ben Franklin C. Roger Sherman D. Stephen Hopkins
7. Besides John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, which other president died on the 4th of July? A. Andrew Jackson B. Millard Fillmore C. James Monroe D. James Buchanan
8. Thomas Jefferson was part of a five-person committee to write the Declaration of Independence, along with John Adams, Ben Franklin, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman. Which man did not sign the Declaration of Independence? A. Robert Livingston B. Roger Sherman C. Ben Franklin D. John Adams
9. Which signer of the Declaration of Independence stated that this holiday “ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”? A. James Madison B. Thomas Jefferson C. Ben Franklin D. John Adams
10. How many signers of the Declaration of Independence were born in the United States of America? A. 56 B. 48 C.0 D. 13
ANSWERS: 1-B, 2-D, 3-C, 4-D, 5-B, 6-B, 7-C, 8-A, 9-D, 10-C