Why we celebrate July 4 with fireworks and parades

[Meanderer]

The following is a letter written by John Adams to his wife Abigail, on July 3, 1776, in Philadelphia. It was the day after the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted but the day before copies were printed and signed.

Adams describes how he thinks Independence Day should be observed:

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. 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".

 

[JustBonee]

Good read ... and the people have followed thru ...

 

[Manatee]

My father's birthday was the 4th of July. We celebrated with lots of fireworks until they became illegal. It was never the same afterward.

 

[Linda W.]

I could do without the fireworks in my neighborhood. I hate that.

 

[Meanderer]

They also play havoc with all the young puppies and dogs in the neighborhood, that become spooked and run away.