The Yin and Yang of Fireworks
We who oooh in delight at the color show detonated by the blasts are on the other side of an unbridgeable chasm. In these days so close to Memorial Day and the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the stories of veterans remind us of what they have endured and we have not.
The Revolutionary War was more than a victory to those who lived it; America’s self-defined history began in violence. Our anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, was battle-born. Every war since then has had more than its share of rockets’ red glare and bombs bursting in air.
I want to remember that history when I watch this year’s July Fourth fireworks spectaculars. Then I want to reflect on how the very symbols of explosive battle have been transformed, throughout history, into celebrations of victory. Fireworks for fun are, apparently, as old as fireworks for battle. Historians can’t seem to decide which came first.
The place of fireworks in American history, on the other hand, is well marked.
Writing to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776, Founding Father and second president John Adams recommended “Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations” to mark the great and daring achievement of the Declaration of Independence.
Adams recommended the event be commemorated “forever forward” on July 2, the day independence was declared. History, however, settled on July 4, the day Congress approved the final text. The third stage of approval, signing, came on August 2.
Here’s what he wrote, in a clear and beautiful hand, as preserved and transcribed by the Massachusetts Historical Society [www.masshist.org/publications/adams-papers/index.php/view/ADMS-04-02-02-0016].
The Second Day of July 1776, 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.
Adams’ next paragraph is less familiar. It should not be, for in it he weights the cost our new nation would pay for its independence.
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.
–Collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society
As we — “posterity” — once again “triumph in that Days Transaction,” it would be good for us, too, to recognize that “Toil and Blood and Treasure” bought us this right.
Both rise from gunpowder, with its yin and yang, its black and white.
Pomp and Parades are another of Adams’ recommendations to “solemnize” the “Day of Deliverance.” Chesapeake Country joins in communities “from one End of this Continent to the other” in taking his advice.
This year, Anne Arundelians get a second invitation to take to their streets in celebration. This modern invitation is issued by County Executive Steuart Pittman, who writes:
Independence Day is when people come together and celebrate the founding of our democracy. It’s how we re-confirm our commitment to the principles that are the foundation of our country.
I hope you’ll join me and march with us in one of these three parades. Our country and our communities need us.
See you there!
Find days of Pomp and Parades and nights of Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations in Bay Weekly’s 8 Days a Week.
Sandra Olivetti Martin
Editor and publisher
[email protected], www.sandraolivettimartin.com