July 4th: Celebrating Our Nation’s Independence with “Pomp and Parade … Bonfires and Illuminations”

BY SUZIE WELLS

Whether you live in downtown Rochester, out in the region’s most rural areas, or somewhere in between, chances are you heard the telltale booms of reworks last weekend. Across the nation, communities celebrate our nation’s Independence Day with festivals, celebrations of various kinds, and o entimes reworks. July 4th celebrates our nation’s independence from British rule with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Every July 3rd, residents set Conesus Lake’s perimeter ablaze with a Ring of Fire, road ares and torches at the lake’s edge turning the Seneca tradition of gathering at res at the water’s edge “to celebrate [the] beauty and abundance of the lake” into an annual Independence Day tradition for residents, vacationers, and visitors alike. Nearby towns set o reworks therea er, illuminating the sky for all to enjoy. According to KidsOutandAbout.com, Sodus Bay, Honeoye Lake, and Farmington residents also celebrate July 3rd. en on the 4th, communities across the Rochester area host a myriad of celebrations at parks, community centers, and town halls. Celebrations o en include parades, live music, food/beverages, and reworks. We celebrate because we can, and we must remember the signi cance, that we can celebrate such freedoms because our nation gained independence from British rule at this time in 1776. Why reworks, though? I assumed it had reference to the explosions, artillery re, “bombs bursting in air” from the Revolutionary War itself, but I questioned why Americans would use reworks to celebrate if as a nation we may want to forget the explosions and artillery. So I did some research.

According to History, the tradition of setting o reworks on July 4th began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the rst organized celebration of Independence Day, where ships’ cannons red a 13gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. at night there was “a grand exhibition of reworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated” (History).

As Independence Day celebrations grew in popularity a er the War of 1812, when our nation battled again against Britain, reworks became more readily available, and public safety concerns of cannon and gun re phased the latter options out of celebrations in favor of reworks (History). Since the holiday falls mid-summer, July 4th celebrations across the nation focus on leisure activities and casual get-togethers with friends and family. It is not a solemn occasion, but instead a festive celebration of our nation’s independence.

America’s use of reworks and pyrotechnics dates long before Independence Day, though, as a common tool of celebration and thanksgiving, “the result of hundreds of years of royal pageantry,” according to Brittanica. When President John Adams wrote that the Continental Congress’ independence declaration “ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bon res, and Illuminations ( reworks) from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more,” he invoked “one of the most recognizable celebrations of nationhood of his time: reworks” (Brittanica).

Fireworks and festivities around the Rochester area are incredible celebrations with community fun that can’t be beat. Celebrate our independence and freedoms (yes, even with a healthy dose of realism of rights not yet a orded equally to all – let’s continue to work on that even as we celebrate). Celebrate the ability to make choices for ourselves, to vote for representatives in our government, all that was not a orded to colonists pre-revolution. Celebrate with friends and family at those backyard barbecues, festivals, parades, and reworks, but let’s not forget why we celebrate. Let’s recognize and appreciate our rights.

I especially think of Genesee Country Village & Museum’s naturalization ceremony they host each July 4th. I love the added perspective:witnessingthatceremonyo ersanincredibleopportunity to re ect. People from around the globe come seeking US citizenship o en because in their home countries, they lack the rights we may take for granted. Yes, our nation has its problems. We are a melting pot of ideas and cultures that o en clash. Humans are di erent, but it’s important to know that our ancestors chose to form a government whose power should come from the governed. We have the right to vote, to speak up for what we think is right. We can use our civic responsibility to help change. Some around the world cannot say the same.

Even as we celebrate with picnics, parades, and reworks, let’s remember and appreciate the reason for our celebration.

Love to write? You could earn CASH when you share your original story, personal experience, community happening or school event with us! It may be featured on our popular website for all to see and even selected for print! Go to My Hometown at www.gvpennysaver.com or email hometown@gvpennysaver.com!

StoneMountainMasonry MasonryRestoration

•Chimney& replacerepair &restoration

•Foundationrestoration/jacking

•Concretesidewalks,patios&driveways

•Backyardbarbecues&pizzaovens

•Excavating

•Existinggarageandpatioconcrete resurfacing&stamping Andmuchmore!

585-322-7331716-492-2001 www.stonemountain-masonry.com

General Contracting

Tl Contracting

Everything under 1 roof! 20 years’ experience in quality home improvements & repairs at honest prices, including:

• Tile

• Roo ng

Milton CAT is in search of New York State certified MBE/MWBE and SDVOB subcontractor enterprises that can provide selected goods and/or services to us. Subcontractors must be able to meet insurance, financial and bonding requirements as contained and specified in general contract documents and other New York State entity requirements.

If interested, please contact us at goodfaitheffort@ miltoncat.com to begin the screening process.

• Flooring

• Painting

• Drywall

• Concrete & more! Call or text for an estimate today!

585-649-6096 No job too small!

STAY COOL THIS SUMMER WHILE LIMITING ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Embrace strategic landscaping. The landscaping outside of a home can contribute to cooler climates inside the home. Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, and when planted on the western and southern sides of a home, these trees can block the sun from entering the home during the hottest times of day, reducing the need to lower the thermostat on air conditioners. Of course, when these trees shed their leaves in late fall, sunlight can then make its way into the home, potentially reducing heating costs.

HANDYMEN/WOMEN

Gutter Cleaning PowerWashing & Deck Staining

• All Carpentry Work

• Drywall Repair

• Gutter Repairs

• Basement Repairs

• Soffit & Fascia Repairs

... and more!

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. TELEVISION: What is the name of Samantha’s mother in the “Bewitched” comedy series?

2. MOVIES: What is the name of the shark-hunting boat in the film “Jaws”?

3. SCIENCE: What is the most lethal consumed plant in the world?

4. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a female goat called?

5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who served as vice president in Abraham Lincoln’s first term as president?

6. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of alcohol is traditionally used in a drink called a sidecar?

7. LITERATURE: What city is the primary setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”?

8. ASTRONOMY: Which planet in our solar system was the first to be explored by a space probe launched from Earth?

9. MUSIC: In what year did MTV launch?

10. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the famous St. Basil’s Cathedral located?

Care For

Properly

Homeowners often choose to save money and learn valuable skills by doing their own home improvement projects. These minor or major renovations are made much more successful by having the right tools for the job. Investing in good tools can be smart, but those tools are only effective if they are accessible and in good repair. Homeowners who emphasize taking care of their tools can make DIY projects that much easier and more rewarding.

CNC Tree Service

We look forward to meeting all your tree service needs. Please call us today at: 585-729-1488

CONSERVE WATER WHEN TEMPERATURES RISE

Spring and summer are synonymous with increased hours of sunlight, warm temperatures and, oftentimes, an increased reliance on water to feed recreational pursuits and lawn and garden needs.

The Water Information Program states that 3.9 trillion gallons of water are consumed in the United States each month and the average person uses 176 gallons of water per day. Water conservation may be essential when the risk for weather-related drought looms. Practicing year-round conservation efforts can help ensure smart usage of local watersheds, lakes and reservoirs and help maintain these water sources for years to come. It also helps the average person reduce his or her carbon footprint while saving people a little money along the way.