On July 4th, our nation comes together to celebrate. Across the country, people wear red, white and blue, hang flags and honor our founding fathers. How did it all begin?
The Basics
The Declaration of Independence was signed 238 years ago, on July 4, 1776. And in 1777, the people of Philadelphia started to commemorate the date by ringing bells, firing guns, lighting candles and setting off fireworks. By 1783, when the War of Independence ended, July 4 became a major patriotic holiday—and in 1941, Congress declared July 4 a federal holiday.
And while you may mark it with a picnic, a parade or a festival, for most Americans the 4th of July means fireworks! The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) estimates that more than 14,000 professional firework displays light up the skies in the United States each 4th of July.
Did you know?
Founding Father John Adams wrote that the 4th of July "...ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..." Thanks for the ideas, John!
Where are the most amazing fireworks displays in the United States?
Each year, the APA releases a list of the best places to see awesome displays. This year, five of the biggest include:
New York City
Macy’s 4th of July Spectacular has been called "The Granddaddy of Them All.” This year's show will take place on the East River, featuring the Brooklyn Bridge along with three barges. They will set off more than 54,000 fireworks and special effects for a "multidimensional, pyro-kinetic experience."
Nashville
Nashville's show will be choreographed to music played by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and will run for 27 minutes, making it the longest fireworks display in Nashville’s history. See over 30,000 fireworks and special effects, the largest display in the South, fired from LP Field.
Las Vegas
Fireworks will light the sky from six locations, including Caesars Palace, Red Rock Casino, and the LINQ. More than 30,000 fireworks will light the desert sky, choreographed to a mix of both contemporary and traditional patriotic music.
Boston
The Boston Pops symphony will provide the music as more than 12,000 fireworks and special effects will be discharged in a 21-minute display from more than five launch positions.
San Diego
The skies over the bay will light up with more than 10,000 fireworks and special effects, launched from four barges.
Two other great places to watch fireworks? Two significant cities in the history of our country, of course.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, where it all began, celebrates Independence Day for a week. They cap it off on the 4th with the largest free concert in America followed by a fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Washington, DC
In our nation's capital, the fireworks are launched along both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Not only are the size and colors of the display intense, but several national monuments provide a dramatic backdrop.
The staff at Complete Payroll wishes you and yours a safe and happy 4th of July!
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net.