Why do we have Fireworks on the 4th?

[1gewehr]

Sure, the noise and sights are fun. But do you know WHY we shoot off fireworks on the 4th of July?

Originally, we didn't shoot fireworks. We shot cannons, muskets, and rifles. We did it as a reminder that this country was born from war. It was reminder that freedom is not free, and that a lot of very fine people gave up their lives, health, property, and made other sacrifices in order to win it. As such, the early Independance Day celebrations were celebrating the winning of a long, exhausting war.

On July 4th, 1776, the war had already been in progress for over a year. And the end of the war didn't come until September 1783, seven years later!

In 1776, the US population was only 2.5 million. About 1/3 of those supported independance from Britain. Another 1/3rd supported remaining British. The remaining 1/3rd didn't really care. Of the ~1,000,000 who supported the cause of Independance, over 100,000 men actually served in the military at some point. Half of those became casualties, either killed or wounded. And 'wounded' back then didn't mean a 'John Kerry' wound. Wounded meant 'incapacitated' for a period of time, such as losing a limb, being shot, slashed, or stabbed in the body, or similar injuries.

The US had a smallpox epidemic from 1775 through 1782. Over 150,000 died from smallpox during that period. Many others died from other diseases, hunger caused by crop destruction, and a variety of other causes related to a country that had conflicting armies crossing it.

So, by 1783 when the war ended, the new country was in very poor shape. Nearly 1/10th of the male population had been killed or badly wounded. Manufacturing was practically non-existent. The dollar was worthless, reflected by the common phrase "Not worth a Continental".

So, when you see the fireworks tonight, remember that you are hearing the reminder of crashing volleys of muskets and deafening roar of cannons that would have torn great gaps in the American troops. Remember the dedication of those who died to protect the retreat of the American Army at Brooklyn Heights. They did not die to win victory, but to keep the war going. Remember those who died in all of the other American defeats during that war. Every defeat left the army weaker, but with more experience and tenacity.

Remember the line from our National Anthem "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,"? It's not about pretty fireworks. It's about the bombardment of Ft. McHenry in September 1814. After burning Washington to the ground, the British were determined to destroy the major port of Baltimore. After two failed ground assaults on the city, and a lengthy bombardment of the fort in the harbor, the fort still held out. So the British were forced to withdraw.

We hear the first verse of that song a lot. But to me, the most important verse is the fourth one. When you see the flashes, and hear the crashing explosions tonight, think of it.

"O thus be it ever, when free men shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation.

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

[RED333]

Nice post, Thanks.

[Guest Victor9er]

The date of July 4th has played a prominent role in American history...

Battle of Gettysburg

July 1 - 3, 1863

"That night and into the next day, Saturday, July 4, Confederate wounded were loaded aboard wagons that began the journey back toward the South. Lee was forced to abandon his dead and begin a long slow withdrawal of his army back to Virginia. Union commander Meade, out of fatigue and caution, did not immediately pursue Lee, infuriating President Lincoln who wrote a bitter letter to Meade (never delivered) saying he missed a "golden opportunity" to end the war right there."

Battle of Vicksburg

"July 4, 1863 - Vicksburg, the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River, surrenders to Gen. Grant and the Army of the West after a six week siege. With the Union now in control of the Mississippi, the Confederacy is effectively split in two, cut off from its western allies."

http://www.historypl...lwar/battle.htm

http://www.historypl...dex.html#gettys

Edited July 4, 2012 by Victor9er

[Guest Victor9er]

[dlm37015]

vicksburg siege fell on july 4 1863 . fireworks are just a markting ploy i use tannerite

[DaveS]

Very, Very NICE post!!!

[Timestepper]

OUTSTANDING!

:usa:

[RichardR]

Unfortunately my fireworks were confiscated and I was given a court date, for the offense of "lighting off fireworks on the 4th of July".

And no there was no shenanigans or unsafe handling, no alcohol, nothing taudry, just some good ole' fashioned fireworks and BBQ, heck I even had a hose sitting right next to us with the water already turned on just in case one of them started to smolder the grass, which I had already hosed down prior to bringing out the fireworks...

Sort of made me wonder if those tin-foil hatters might actually be right.