Five things you need to know about Independence Day Published July 3, 2014 By Senior Airman Jesse Lopez 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- -- The Fourth of July is the celebration of America's independence since Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence document in 1776. Here are five things you need to know about Independence Day. #1 - In July 1776, the estimated population of America was 2.5 million. According to the U.S. and World Population Clock, the nation's population in July 2014 is 316.2 million. #2 - The Liberty Bell did not ring on the nation's Independence Day on July 4, 1776 and the tale was widely accepted as fact. It has not been rung since 1846, however, every Fourth of July it is symbolically tapped 13 times and accompanied by the ringing of bells. #3 -Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey as the national bird stating the bald eagle is a bird of bad moral character and does not make its living honestly as it steals food from other animals. Franklin believed the turkey was a true original native of America and is a bird of courage. #4 - More than 155 million hot dogs are consumed on Independence Day alone making it the biggest hot dog holiday of the year. #5 - As a celebratory meal for America's independence on July 4, 1776, John Adams and his wife Abigail sat down for a bowl of turtle soup with New England poached salmon, egg sauce, green peas, and boiled potatoes.