“...And the rockets’ red glare

The bombs bursting in air...”

These two lines, known to us as lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” were first written in poem form by American lawyer Francis Scott Key. On Sept. 14, 1814, Key penned these words after seeing the U.S. flag flying triumphantly after the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812.

Quite literally, this fireworks display was composed of wartime rockets and bombs, released in celebratory fashion.

Fireworks, in their purest definition, have been a part of celebrations since long before the Fort McHenry battle. According to Britannica, King Henry VII, Queen Elizabeth I, King Louis XIV and Peter the Great were among the powerful who included fireworks displays in celebrations including weddings and events of pageantry.

Here in the United States, the idea of fireworks as part of celebrations is credited, in part, to John Adams, a Founding Father of this country. Adams was in Philadelphia as a delegate of the Continental Congress. In the summer of 1776, he and his peers were debating if the 13 original colonies should declare independence from Britain.

In a letter written to his wife, Abigail, telling her that the Continental Congress had declared independence, Adams said, “[This day] 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.”

“… When the United States declared its independence in 1776,” according to Britannica, “John Adams was not prescribing a novel way to celebrate America’s freedom. ‘Illuminations’ were already a common mode of celebration. Instead, when he wrote to Abigail, he was heralding the birth of the world’s newest nation by invoking one of the most recognizable celebrations of nationhood of his time: fireworks.”

The Independence Day celebration of 1777 was documented in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, which reported, “ ... at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city (Philadelphia) was beautifully illuminated.”

Eventually, due to safety concerns, cannon and gunfire were phased out of celebrations, and pyrotechnic displays of a different manner were introduced. Cities and states have instituted regulations on the use of what we know as fireworks. Ironically, Massachusetts, Adams’ native state, is the only state to ban all consumer fireworks.

In Pennsylvania, as of 2022, residents can purchase and use consumer-grade fireworks, with a stipulation of the quantity of explosive material they contain. They can’t be discharged on any property without permission by the landowners.

Other regulations - which might seem so obvious - include that fireworks can’t be directed at another person or at a building or vehicle and they can’t be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle. Officials in many of our municipalities have stated those who choose to set off fireworks would be hard pressed to find a location where these rules could be followed legally.

Still, fireworks persist each year, sometimes long before and after the July 4 holiday. Pennsylvania law states, because July 4 is a Thursday this year, fireworks are permitted until 1 a.m. July 3, 4, 5 and 6.

I love a good fireworks display - when it’s handled by the professionals. The term professional isn’t up for interpretation. The word doesn’t fall into a gray area. Those who have professional status have training certifications to prove it.

Those who frequent pop-up roadside sales tents and have set off fireworks from their property even one time previously do not have professional status.

Approximately 15,600 people were hospitalized with injuries related to fireworks in 2020, according to data released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which noted this injury total was the highest number in the last 15 years. Eighteen deaths were also attributed to fireworks, 12 of which were associated with misuse.

During this time of great celebration, it’s important to not only be safe but also to be mindful of your surroundings and respectful of your neighbors.

Many will struggle to fall asleep or will be awakened. Many of our loved ones, including our pets, will have difficulty relaxing. The colors against the night sky will not delight them, and they’ll likely find very little comfort in knowing there are no real rockets or bombs bursting in their backyard.

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press