In support of Steve Fleischmann’s excellent July 7 letter, “Noise of fireworks spurs appreciation,” I would like to remind that greater minds than our own supported the use of fireworks for this glorious celebration. I quote John Adams from a letter to his wife on July 1, 1776, when the signing of the Declaration of Independence was imminent:
“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch 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 shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
It is a shame that so many of us have turned into curmudgeons when it comes to these few precious hours of joyous noise.
John Beyea
Vancouver
