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.

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