In a few days Americans will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. We'll do so with $212 million worth of domestically produced fireworks and waving some of the $301 million in flags and patriotic banners manufactured here annually (about $3 million in flags come from China).

More Fourth numbers from the U.S. Census and the departments of agriculture, commerce, and administration:

• June 7, 1776 - Date the congressional resolution proposing independence from Britain was introduced by Richard Lee. Four days later, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston were appointed to a committee to draft a declaration of independence.

• July 4, 1776 - Last date of debate, revision, and adoption of the draft declaration, although unofficial until later inscribed and signed

• Aug. 2, 1776 - Date the declaration was signed by most delegates (five signed later)

• June 14, 1777 - Date of Second Continental Congress, Marine Committee resolution defining our flag: "Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation."

• 2.5 million - The nation's population in 1776 (currently 309.6 million)

• $93 billion - Annual value of trade between the U.S. and Great Britain, our sixth leading trading partner

• 50 percent - Amount of the nation's potatoes produced in Idaho or Washington. Can't make potato salad without 'em.

• 31 - Number of places in U.S. with "Liberty" in the name

Amid the food, fireworks and fun, give a thought to that liberty and how precariously precious it is. Relatively few in this world have it in its truest sense.

Sholeh Patrick, J.D. is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Sholehjo@hotmail.com