“We are called the nation of inventors. And we are. We could still claim that title and wear its loftiest honors if we had stopped with the first thing we ever invented, which was human liberty.” author Mark Twain

Summer is upon us with long days, warm temps, and a relaxed spirit. Graduates have marched to the pomp and circumstance, dads have been gifted and lauded, and couples in love have married with great celebration. July, however, brings one of the brightest, loudest celebrations of the year! Indeed, on July 4, 2023, our nation will celebrate its 247th anniversary of independence!

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate this holiday by shooting off fireworks and lighting sparklers? Well, John Adams may have been the instigator! He and his lovely wife had one of the most incredible marriages; he called her his dearest partner, wisest and dearest friends. In a letter to his dear Abigail, Adams wrote:

“[Independence Day] will be the most memorable Epocha in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized 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. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”― John Adams

So when you are oohing and ahhing at the colors shooting through the sky this July, remember the reason we mark the day with such illuminations. It was the toil and blood, the intelligence and foresight, the dedication and determination of that first generation of Americans that paved the way for us to enjoy a warm night of celebration with friends and family.