Just the facts, all the facts about July 4th

Last update: July 3, 2008 - 8:13 PM

CLARKSBURG, MD. - You could call him Mr. July 4th. Historian James Heintze can tick off colorful accounts of how the nation has celebrated the Fourth, including a spectacle in 1911 when Indianapolis residents watched as two trains purposely collided at full speed.

Heintze has chronicled just about everything there is to know about commemorating the birth of the United States in a 360-page, factoid-packed book, "The Fourth of July Encyclopedia," which was published last year.

Heintze, 65, spent more than 12 years researching the history of this single day -- a passion that began with his interest in Independence Day music.

"What's fascinating about it is the hunt for treasure ... finding bits of American heritage," he said.

Today, Heintze plans to watch the July 4th parade in Washington and then head to Richmond, Va., to hear more Fourth musical performances.

"It's a day of continued reflection," he said. "It's emotional, and it's a day where I renew what I believe in."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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