Here's a little Independence Day fireworks treat. In addition to the big city displays, people all across the country in rural areas also have their own shows. The one below is from a lake in Central Massachusetts last night. Residents on all sides of the lake set off their fireworks for the better part of an hour-and-a-half. The video shows just four minutes worth to give you a sense of the view across the lake, as well as some closer explosions, complete with double images from the water's reflection.
Thomas Jefferson hoped that Americans would celebrate the Fourth of July — what he called "the great birthday of our Republic" — to "refresh our collections of [our] rights, and undiminished devotion to them."
John Adams said, in a letter to Abigail Adams on July 3, 1776:
The day will be most memorable 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 solemnized with pomp and parade…bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.
Both men died on July 4, 1826.
If you cannot see the video, click here.
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4 comments:
Happy 4th!
Nice to see the real thing tonight set off safely by professionals.
But do-it-yourself fireworks generate 8500 emergency room visits each year. Are you trying to drum up business for your industry?
You've set a good example here by forswearing texting and cell phone use while driving, so why not discourage home fireworks and the injuries they cause?
I was wondering if someone would make that point! Thanks.
But neither you nor I am likely to make a change in this habit.
From Facebook:
Lisa: Was it Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg?
Beverly: My dog got disturbed just listening to your video....heaven help her tonight.
David: very cool.
Me: No, Lisa, it was not. I don't want to name the lake because some of the participants are the very police who are supposed to enforce the fireworks rules!
Karen: Great video. Wonderful to watch full screen. Thanks for posting. Happy 4th -- and here's to all that it stands for.
Michael, consumer fireworks are safer than backyard swimming pools. Should everything be outlawed that has the potential to cause injury?
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