Celebrating with Fireworks

 

I don't see fireworks too often, but when they are right outside my window, I pull up a chair and enjoy the show. A fireworks show always draws crowds, even for a short 15 minute show. Why are fireworks used for celebrations? Do you ever wonder? 

John Adams wrote to his wife in July 1776 that “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

The first organized celebration of Independence Day was July 4, 1777 in Philadelphia. This is also when the Declaration of Independence was adopted. That evening there was a special dinner held, 13 canons fired (for the 13 colonies), streamers, band performance, and military demonstration. The evening ended with fireworks. Boston was the first city to declare July 4 as a holiday in 1783. Congress made July 4 an official holiday in 1870. Eventually cannons were phased out (a bit dangerous) and fireworks became more readily available and used for the celebrations.

Perhaps the way that fireworks showcase a sense of awe and spectacle among people, usually accompanying some kind of celebration or gathering that we can all partake in together. It promotes a sense of unity when (especially in times of division) we can all enjoy a show of exciting blasts of exploding colors in the velvet sky, appreciating and celebrating the country we are blessed to live in. Whatever the views of each person, a thankfulness should fill each one for the freedoms and liberties that have been fought for (defended) by our own fellow citizens in difficult ways and across time. We would not be enjoying the freedoms we live now if not for many people who have sacrificed their lives for the country, and that's an ongoing thing. We should not take that for granted, but instead pray for the nation we are part of. May it uphold the values upon which it was founded.