FIREWORKS ON THE 4TH

Independence Day fireworks over National

Mall. (SHUTTERSTOCK / LAURA LYNN)

When fireworks fill the air every year on July 4 – and oftentimes in the days leading up to it, thanks to some overzealous early celebrators – have you ever stopped to wonder why? Why have fireworks become synonymous with Independence Day celebrations? What is it about the colorful bursts of light and sound that scream, quite literally, freedom?

The history of July 4 fireworks dates back to American independence itself. On July 4, 1776, Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, establishing its freedom from British rule. The first official Independence Day would be held one year later on July 4, 1777.

The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “Yesterday the 4th of July, being the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, was celebrated in this city with demonstrations of joy and festivity. About noon all the armed ships and gallies in the river were drawn up before the city, dressed in the gayest manner, with the colors of the United States and streamers displayed.” Each ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies and revelry continued all day and into the night, culminating with a grand fireworks display.

Other cities held their own celebrations that year, marking the occasion with parades, speeches and, of course, fireworks.

Over the years, Independence Day festivities became more widespread, and the firework displays got bigger and better as cannon- and gunfire were phased out. Finally, in 1870, Congress established Independence Day as an official holiday. And the rest, as they say, is history.

We at American Shooting Journal would like to wish all Americans a Happy Independence Day! 