MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 5413-B Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:
Jon Pushkin, Pushkin Public Relations jon@pushkinpr.com 303-733-3441
Celebrate Independence Day with July 4th Facts and Numbers
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 2, 2014 – Most Americans will observe the Fourth of July with parades, fireworks, cookouts and family gatherings. And while Americans enjoy this special summer holiday, they also will celebrate the historic day in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress.
Independence Day had a tremendous impact on U.S. history, so it is fun to look at some facts and numbers that illustrate just how much things have changed in the 238 years since the country was founded – from population to medals, flags and celebration. Following is a snapshot of the holiday “by the numbers”:
• 2.5 million – In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation. Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970
• 317 million – The nation's estimated population on this July Fourth. Source: US Census Population Clock
• 42 million – The number of American men and women who have served in time of war, since 1776. Source: Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation
• 1.7 million – The number of Purple Heart Medals given to soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen since 1882, when the medal that is now the Purple Heart was created by George Washington just a few years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Source: Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation
• $302.7 million – Annual dollar value of shipments of fabricated U.S. flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation's manufacturers. Source: 2007 Economic Census
• $231.8 million – The value of U.S. manufacturers' shipments of fireworks and pyrotechnics (including flares, igniters, etc.). Source: 2007 Economic Census
• Number of U.S.Towns with Patriotic Names
o 31 - Places have “liberty” in their names. o 35 - Places have “eagle” in their names. o 11 - Places have “independence” in their names. o 9 - Places have “freedom” in their names. o 5 - Places have “America” in their names.
Source: US Census - American FactFinder
According to Jim Blaylock, president of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation (MOPHSF), and a Vietnam veteran who earned three Purple Hearts, “The Fourth of July holiday is a celebration of independence for our country, but it also marks the way our veterans have helped other countries defend their independence. More than ever, this summer, we honor our history, our freedom and our heroes.”
About the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation (MOPHSF) The Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation provides emotional, physical, educational and financial support for wounded and disabled veterans, to help improve their lives. Programs include suicide prevention, support for veterans with brain injuries, counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and assistance for women’s health issues – all common challenges for veterans. The Purple Heart Service Foundation provides scholarships, family assistance, claims assistance and employment training. Family members also get support, learning how to help disabled veterans to cope with their physical, emotional and behavioral challenges. For more information, visit www.PurpleHeartFoundation.org.
About the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Chartered by Congress in 1958, the Military Order of the Purple Heart is composed of military men and women who received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat. Although its membership is restricted to the combat wounded, MOPH supports all veterans and their families with a myriad of nationwide programs by Chapters and National Service Officers. For more information, visit www.PurpleHeart.org
