Osama bin Laden 4th July ( 1999 ) Osama bin Laden who is on the FBI's "10 most wanted list" is now believed to have established his Al-Qaeda terrorist base in Afghanistan. He is wanted by the US on charges of international terrorism in connection with the 1998 bombing of American embassies in Africa and last year's attack on the USS Cole in Yemen. Osama bin Laden has called for a holy war against the United States, saying it was the duty of Muslims to free their land of American occupation. This was 2 years before his involvement in the 9/11 suicide attacks by al-Qaeda members upon the United States.
US Celebrates 200th Birthday 4th July ( 1976 ) The 200th birthday Bicentennial celebrations of the United States independence from British Rule.
New York Subway Fares Increase To 20 cents 4th July ( 1966 ) The New York Transit authority chose the holiday to increase it's minimum fares on Subway and Busses from 15 cents to 20 cents. As of 4th July 2009 the minimum fare on New York Subway is $2.25 11 times as expensive. Here is an interesting comparison in July 1966 Gas cost 32 cents per gallon, It is currently less than $3.00 per gallon about 9 times as expensive.
Hours Cut To Save Jobs 4th July ( 1932 ) The plan by many organizations, companies and Government Departments to cut the number of hours worked or days worked by those in current employment, this provides better chances for workers of staying employed and also should help with those seeking work in these testing times. Feelings are mixed with many of those in work concerned about the drop in wages but in general the plan is accepted as a way forward out of the current problems facing the country. For those of you living in States struggling to balance budgets and who have cut state workers hours does this ring any bells
Rationing Ends in Britain 4th July ( 1954 ) Rationing of meat and bacon through the use of ration books ends bringing to an end rationing in Great Britain which had been in place for 14 years since the beginning of World War II.
During the war all kinds of goods were rationed including: All Meats Butter Sugar Sweets and chocolate Clothes Canned and dried fruit Chocolate biscuits Jelly Mincemeat. Petrol Plus for a long time fruit was unavailable due to problems in supply and took till the early 50's before fresh fruit was affordable and available.
British Government Broadcast explaining rationing and how the British Public could help the war effort
