Even though our national holidays are mostly used as excuses to eat copiously, do something fun outside, and leave work early, is it too much to ask for Americans to at least be aware of even the most basic historical facts about the day they're celebrating, and, by extension, the country they live in? As July 4 approaches this Sunday, a Marist poll shows that 26 percent of Americans, including 40 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds, don't know what country the United States won independence from. Incorrect answers included France, China, Japan, Mexico, and Spain. China and Japan, really? Who said that? Identify yourselves. Sigh/New York Daily Intel. H/T: Zelda Krup

Question: Does everyone in your family, including the little ones, know why we're celebrating 4th of July on Sunday?