_svg.png)
Fireworks on the Fourth
- pack11nn
- Jul 3, 2019
- 2 min read
Hello Cub Scouts, family, and friends! As you gear up for your various July 4th Independence Day celebrations, do you ever wonder why we celebrate in the ways we do? Fireworks are more than just a beautiful display... they're historical!
After the Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776, Founding Father John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail:
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.
The next year, in honor of July 4th, Boston and Philadelphia both celebrated America's birthday with pomp and illumination. Fireworks and shells were set off in Boston, while ships paraded down the Delaware River in Philadelphia, firing off their cannons 13 times in celebration of the original 13 colonies.
As fun as fireworks are, did you know many types of personal fireworks are illegal in Virginia? It is always important for Scouts - and everyone! - to be safe, courteous, and law-abiding in their celebrations. In Virginia, the following types of fireworks are prohibited for personal use: "Firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes, and other fireworks which explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fire projectiles into the air." Taking it a step further, in our local city of Newport News, it is illegal to have any type of firework without a permit.
But don't worry. There is still plenty of fun to be had! Click here for a listing of public Independence Day events and fireworks displays in the Hampton Roads area.
Don't forget about Fido! Many pets, especially dogs, are easily startled by fireworks. Many dogs feel comforted in small, confined, familiar spaces. If you normally crate your dog, it may be best to crate them during the evening of July 4th. If you don't crate your dog, consider putting them in a small, dimly-lit room with the door closed and music or a tv playing to drown out the sounds of fireworks. Dogs should never be left outside unattended when there will be fireworks, as they may become frightened and run away.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day, Cub Scouts!
Information for this post came from:
Comments