Fireworks over Boston – bostonmagazine.com

Boston is quite possibly the most badass city in all of the United States. Why you ask?

Freedom.

Sit down kids; it’s time for a history lesson. To Start, I’ve written you a poem.

Authors note: I’m not a poet. Don’t judge me.

A long time ago in the year 1776
Rose a group of men with a nation to fix
A declaration would be written for those who recall
The most undeniable truth, preaching justice for all

Bostonians rebelled with their freedoms at stake
You can tax their goods, but their spirit you can’t break
From ship to ship they pillaged, but took nothing but the tea
And threw it all overboard, sending it outward towards the sea

Their confidence grew stronger; the colonist would no longer stand
Under the suppression of the Brits, who tried to rule their land
“Intolerable” they called them, but this time they could see
That these people wanted nothing more than their right to just be free

Two years later began a war, revolutionary of its kind
A war that would change our history, so it’s best to keep in mind
That when you celebrate this day today, in your hand an ice-cold beer
It’s important to remember to thank a good man who went by Paul Revere

And remember to thank John Adams, for he is the reason why
We celebrate this day each year with explosions in the sky
And lets remember liberty, and her each and every son
And a major bout of gratitude, to the writer, Jefferson

Now while you’re flipping burgers, and relaxing in the sun
And drinking your Sammy Adams with a shot of Jameson
You look up at the sky, waiting for those fireworks to commence
Be thankful that a group of men signed for Independence

So with your friends and family is how we celebrate this day
And be grateful for our rights, and that we have a say
Because of John Hancock and Bostonians with a plan
We can celebrate America, and freedom for every man

Boston, bitches.

Yay for history! No other city does Independence Day better (and St. Patrick’s Day for that matter, minus Ireland). In 1783, Boston became the first city to designate the Fourth of July an official holiday. You’re welcome.

Right in the heart of Boston, at the Granary Burial Ground (est. 1660) along with Massachusetts governors, mayors and clergymen, you will find the graves of three signers of the Declaration of Independence: Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine. Peter Faneuil, benefactor of the famed downtown Boston landmark also rests there along with patriot and craftsman Paul Revere. James Otis, Revolutionary orator and lawyer can be found there as well as five victims of the Boston Massacre, another event proving Bostonians won’t stand for shit in their own city. It is also kind to note that near the center of the ground, a 25-foot-tall obelisk commemorates the tomb of Benjamin Franklin’s parents. Literally, the people who helped in writing, and defending, possibly the most poignant declaration of human rights are laid to rest in the city itself.

Every year, roughly 3 million people from all over the world flood the streets of Boston to experience the Boston Harborfest, the largest Independence Day festival in the world. Harborfest celebrates Boston’s colonial, Revolutionary War, and maritime history and heritage with entertainers, historical reenactments, music, Harbor cruises, walking tours, and Chowderfest. Of course we can’t forget The Pops Concert and fireworks that are unparalleled by any other city.
John Adams, born and raised in Quincy, Mass, second Preseident of the United States, Harvard educated at age 16, and all around total bad-ass is the reason we celebrate this day with fireworks. A day after congress voted for independence, Adams wrote a letter to his wife back in Boston. His letter to Abigail Adams, dated July 3, 1776, read in part:
…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.

Thank you Mr. Adams, for knowing the right way to throw a party.

Mr. Feeny as John Adams in the movie 1776

So enjoy your day. May it be filled with great beer and barbeque and endless amounts of lawn games. May the parades be full of merriment and the skies illuminated the way John Adams had hoped. So get that ugly eagle tattoo in the back of your friends van, and rejoice in wearing those American-flag swim shorts. May you also be grateful for the world is filled with people who are not as lucky to know liberation. Let the Budweiser flow like amber waves of grain. Embrace every freedom you have today. Hug your family. Buy your beer. Grill outside. Adopt a puppy. Breathe. Embrace it all; you have the freedom to do so.

Liberty. Eagles. ‘Merica.