On July 4, our nation will commemorate the adoption of the
Declaration of Independence some 241 years ago. We look forward to time off
from work, parades, cook-outs, baseball games, concerts, Nathan’s Annual Hot
Dog Eating contest and fireworks as we celebrate the birth of our great
country.
From the very beginning, the celebrations of
Independence Day included fireworks. Some think that John Adams started it all
in a letter he wrote to his wife. In the letter, he stated that the occasion 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.”
As far back as
1777, Philadelphia put together a full day of festivities that included a
parade, dinner, music, musket salutes and fireworks.
Fireworks
are magical; explosions of bright colors, shapes and sounds lighting up the
night sky as young and old alike watch in awe. They are the grand finale for
the day’s celebrations. Fireworks are also dangerous. Think about it. According to the Consumer Products
Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,100
injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year
2016. And according to the National Fire Protection
Agency, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, resulting in
numerous injuries and an average of $43 million in direct property damage. This
doesn’t even include the adverse effect they have on pets. If you are a pet
owner, you know what I am talking about.
Remember,
it’s only fun until someone gets hurt. Leave things to the professionals. Be
smart, be responsible and be safe.
And,
amidst all the festivities, please take a few minutes to remember the real reason
we celebrate this day – our freedom and all of those who fought and still fight
to preserve it.
Have
a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Posted by MJ Thomas
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