July 4th

Today is July 4th, also called Independence Day in the United States. July 4th is considered the founding date of the American Republic. America’s first president, as every American should know, was George Washington. Washington’s vice president was John Adams. Both men were Founding Fathers. John Adams became America’s second president. America’s third president was Thomas Jefferson, another Founding Father.

Thomas Jefferson died at 83. John Adams died at 90. Both men died on the same date: July 4, 1826 — the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Another Founding Father also became president. He was James Monroe, America’s fifth president. He died on July 4, 1831.

Coincidence? If so, the deaths of three American presidents and Founding Fathers on America’s Independence Day were remarkably unlikely. But if not coincidence, then what?