What Actually Happened on Independence Day?

Let's test your knowledge of this national holiday.

True or False:

1. The first battle of the American Revolutionary War occurred on July 4, 1776. True/False

2. Members of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. True/False

3. The U.S. Constitution was signed on July 4, 1776. True/False

If you answered that each of the above statements is false, then you are correct.

1. The eight-year war to separate the 13 Colonies from British rule began near Boston on April 19, 1775, at the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
2. Contrary to popular belief, only the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress didn't actually sign it until nearly a month later on August 2.
3. George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, and a group of 39 delegates signed the document on September 17, 1787.

3 Ways to Celebrate Parents' Day

In 1994, the fourth Sunday in July was designated as Parents' Day – a day to celebrate parents and recognize all the hard work that goes into raising kids. Here are a few ways to show appreciation for all the parents in your life.

Support: Many single parents pull double duty by working full time and filling the roles of both parents. Consider donating to a group that supports single parents in your community, or offering to help someone you know personally. Whether you can help by giving their kids a ride, offering your house as a place to hang out or being there for emotional support, those parents will appreciate your friendship and generosity.

Reach out: If you know elderly people whose children and grandchildren live out of town, consider including them in your family celebrations. Support them by offering to help with errands or household chores. Make their day by treating them to a nice dinner or simply spending time swapping stories together. It can be lonely when your loved ones live far away. Don't underestimate how much it may mean to have you reach out.

Appreciate: Whether you have parents living nearby or you're a parent yourself, take time to focus on your family unit. Set aside your never-ending to-do list and just appreciate the joy of being a parent. Spend the day at the park with a picnic lunch or organize a game night or movie marathon. You can also research whether your community is promoting any kind of activities for Parents' Day. If not, consider setting up a celebration for your neighbors and loved ones.

Get Cooking Online

Celebrate National Culinary Arts Month this July by trying out one of these highly rated online cooking courses.

Udemy: For the novice chef who enjoys a variety of cuisines, Udemy offers thousands of different courses that feature full meals and specific culinary techniques. If there's a dish you've been wanting to make or a cooking skill you're eager to learn, Udemy likely has it.

Gordon Ramsay's MasterClass: Chef Ramsay, best known for his reality TV shows and other enterprises, demonstrates his cooking prowess with over a dozen videos discussing unique recipes along with professional skills and techniques.

International Open Academy: If you have dietary restrictions or simply want to add more fruits and vegetables to your menu, consider the Plant Based Cooking course from the International Open Academy. This course aims to "heal your body from the inside out" with fresh, healthy meals that are bursting with flavor.

French Crepes

Ingredients
1 cup flour
½ tsp. salt
2 eggs
1¼ cups milk
2 Tbsp. butter, melted

Toppings:
Fresh berries
Honey
Chocolate shavings

Directions
In a medium bowl, sift together flour and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Gradually pour wet ingredients into the flour mixture, whisking until smooth. Add butter and whisk until combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Heat a large crepe pan or shallow frying pan over medium. Grease pan with additional butter and pour in ¼ cup batter. Use a crepe tool or gently tilt and rotate the pan to spread batter in a thin, even layer.

Cook for 30-60 seconds or until top has set. Use a spatula to flip and cook for 30 more seconds. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining batter. Serve with a choice of toppings.

Makes about 8 crepes