Happy Fourth!

Madison. 7/3/2014 dwm

 July 4, 1776 the Second Continental Congress unanimously approved their Declaration of Independence from England. It was a courageous act that flew in the face of reason and logic but their ultimate success is the proof in the pudding.

 President John Adams wrote to his daughter that on the first anniversary of the declaration people in Philadelphia recognized the day with a spontaneous celebration. It wasn't until after the War of 1812 that Independence Day became something to celebrate. It became a national holiday in 1870.

 We do a good job of taking Adams' advice, "It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade with shews (shows), games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more."

 Last night, we attended our hometown's fireworks celebration for the first time. When we moved to Madison 11+ years ago we could watch the illuminations from our apartment as they were shot from the top of a city park a few miles away that we could see without leaving home. 

Verona Fireworks. 7/3/2024 dwm photo

It's a long holiday weekend that we should enjoy while acknowledging and giving thanks for the freedoms John Adams and company held dear. Their idea on who was entitled to those freedoms, thankfully, has expanded over the years thanks to the blood, sweat, and tears, of equally determined freedom-fighters.

Our most precious civil right, is the right to vote. The less-than-civil political ads might be drowned out a bit by the booming fireworks. 

When we go to the polls in November, we should continue the celebration. For nearly 250 years, we, the people, have honestly conducted elections thanks to civil servants and earnest volunteers. There is no better way to honor the patriots of 1776! 

 Verona Fireworks. 7/3/2024 dwm photo

 Last night Verona had their Independence Day fireworks display on the eve of July Fourth. There were thousands of cars packed around Hometown Park where people walked to get the best look at the illuminations.

 I didn't get very many good shots this year and the shots I thought were good were not. I adjusted the shutter too fast to capture the display. 

 Instead I ended up with pictures of individual lights. I'll need to work on the right camera settings before I attempt shooting fireworks again.