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July 05, 2008
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Independence Day Traditions: Fireworks Displays
When the Continental Congress declared American independence from the British Crown on the second of July, delegate John Adams of Massachusetts wrote home to his wife, Abigal, "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. 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 shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore."
However, the actual document -- the Declaration of Independence -- was prepared and dated on July 4th, 1776. Today it is the 4th of July (rather than the 2nd of July, as Adams surmized) that is celebrated with the flying of the American flag, family picnics, parades and fireworks to remember the birth of the United States of America.
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