“America is another name for opportunity.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Independence Day, also known as The Fourth of July, is fast approaching. This holiday has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks,
parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. Here are some interesting facts about our nation’s birthday:
July 4 has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of
Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th Century. On July 2, 1776, the
Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from
the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence.
John Adams believed that July 2 should have been recognized as our Independence Day
as it was the day the Continental Congress accepted the Declaration. Some changes were
made, and the final wording was approved on July 4. Annoyed that Independence Day
was not celebrated on July 2, Adams reportedly turned down invitations to July 4
celebrations throughout his life.
Most historians have concluded that only John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed
the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and that the Declaration was signed by
the others on August 2, 1776, nearly a month after its adoption.
Congress declared July 4 as an official holiday in 1870 as part of a bill to officially
recognize other holidays, Christmas being one of them.
The average age of those who signed the Declaration of Independence was 45. The
youngest, at age 26, were Thomas Lynch, Jr. and Edward Rutledge, both of South
Carolina. The oldest delegate was Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania at age 70. Thomas
Jefferson was 33.
On July 6, 1776, the Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first newspaper to print the
now-historic Declaration of Independence.
John Adams, age 90, and Thomas Jefferson, age 82, both died on July 4, 1826, within 5
hours of each other, exactly 50 years after July 4, 1776. President James Monroe also
died on July 4 and President Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4.
Thomas Jefferson was the first President to hold a Fourth of July celebration at the White
House in 1801.
According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council (NHDSC), Americans are
expected to eat 150 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday. This is part of an
estimated 7 billion that are expected to be eaten during the summer season from
Memorial Day to Labor Day.
When the Declaration of Independence was signed, the population of the United States
was 2.5 million, compared with 335, 893, 238 today (as of January 1, 2024.)
On behalf of the Voorhees Township Committee, have a safe, happy and meaningful Fourth of July!
The Camden County Board of Elections needs poll workers for the upcoming elections. This
year the Board of Elections is hiring employees 16 and over.
$300 for the day from 5am – 9pm
Tuesday, June 4 (Primary Election)
Tuesday, Nov. 5 (General Election)
For more information, call (856) 401-8683
The Voorhees Township 2024 Summer Concert continues with the second show on
Thursday, July 18, featuring Parrot Beach – Jimmy Buffet Tribute. On Thursday, Aug. 15,
The Beat Tells will greet the audience with their traditional Tribute to the Beatles. All shows
start at 7:30pm. The shows will be even more enjoyable with Dooney’s Pub’s Beer Garden
and a variety of food trucks that will open at 6:30pm. For more information, visit
voorheesnj.com, the Voorhees Township Facebook page or call the Show Hot Line 856-
882-SHOW.
Staying the Course, Inc. with the support of Voorhees Township, is hosting a Small Business Showcase and Expo Festival on Saturday, July 13 from 10am-5pm at the Town Center. For more information, contact Lashaun Drew at 856-924-8490 or visit
stayingthecourseincorporated.com.
The Animal Welfare Association is hosting Family Fun Night on July 13 from 4pm-7pm.
Free admission for all! Enjoy “Vet for a Day” Pretend Pet Clinic, a Scavenger Hunt,
Face painting and other games as well as food vendors. For more information, visit awanj.org or call Meggin Olivo (856)424-2288 x113
AWA continues to offer free half hour “Barking Lot Sips & Brews” classes for kids. The
next sessions are on July 26 and Aug. 20 at 6pm and 7pm. For more information, visit awanj.org or call Meggin Olivo (856)424-2288 x113
Voorhees Township is once again partnering with Morey’s Piers to offer discounted tickets for their amusement piers located on the Boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ. Tickets may be obtained in person from the office of the Voorhees Township Clerk (856) 429-7757 and are payable by cash only. Tickets are available to residents and non-residents.
