Of all the American national holidays, the Fourth of July is celebrated with pomp and circumstance like no other. And rightfully so; we are commemorating the very existence of our country, its principles of freedom and the pursuit of happiness. And what better way to do that than with pyrotechnics in the sky?
Our forefathers themselves recommended fireworks as a celebration of all their hard work. As John Adams wrote in a letter to Abigail Adams on July 3, 1776, our independence should be commemorated “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.” And so, the first commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4, 1777.
Adams might be surprised to see how well the tradition has endured. Fireworks are the premier example of how individual cities celebrate the country they constitute and how individuals participate in the celebration. “The 4th of July audience does not require much,” notes Fireworks by Grucci CEO Philip Butler, whose Long Island–based, family-owned company has spanned five generations. “You can put fireworks of any kind in the sky and they’re happy.”
Plan now to attend one of best places to celebrate 4th of July. Bring a blanket, invite some friends and prepare to be dazzled.
