Pomp and Parade

“Harley, Harper, over here!” Dylan shouted, one of Harley’s best friends.  

The twins ran to his spot in line for lemonade at their town’s local Fourth of July celebration. Harper had her arm linked with her best friend, Marisa, who still had a mouthful of watermelon from the last booth they visited.  

“Do either of you have any money left?” Harley asked his sister and friends as they saw the $1 price tag for a cup of the refreshing drink.  

“I do!” Harper pulled out a sack of quarters from her small purse.  

Once they each secured a cup, they perused the rest of the celebration. There were lots of food trucks, vendors selling red, white, and blue merchandise; there was music, the smell of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers – a true kid’s paradise. The entire town came out to partake in the annual celebration of Independence Day.  

“Is that Miss Overman?” Harley pointed at who he thought was their history teacher under a white tent with a small crowd of other kids in front of her.  

“Oh, yeah! Let’s go say hi.” Harper concurred, and they made their way.  

“…and so on July 2nd, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed!” Miss Overman was finishing a story with many excited gestures.  

One of the listeners held up their hand, “Then why do we celebrate on the 4th?” 

“Great question! You see, the Declaration was signed on July 2nd, but it was two days later that delegates from the then 13 colonies adopted the document. Much to John Adams' dislike,” she laughed. 

“I remember learning about John Adams,” Harper whispered to Marisa.  

Miss Overman continued, “He actually protested the correct date until his passing, turning down invitations to appear at celebrations on the 4th. But even though he disagreed with the date, his love for the anniversary of Independence Day was strong. He wrote to his wife, Abigail, that ‘generations to follow would hold a great anniversary festival every year. A grand celebration to include pomp and parade, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other.” She read from a book, then grinned at the kids, “Now, we might not use all these things anymore, but can any of you tell me what some of the modern versions of these things might be?” 

As the kids took turns shouting out all the things that they were currently enjoying at the town’s celebration, the twins pondered on the ‘pomp and parade’ portion. Did that mean an actual parade? What was pomp? Raising their hands, they asked that very question.  

“Another great question! Pomp and Parade can be another term for fireworks!” Miss Overman made the motion with her hands, “You see, the first time we as a country used fireworks to celebrate our independence was on July 4th, 1777, in Philadelphia at the first organized celebration!” 

“Oh wow, I didn’t know that fireworks were made back then,” Dylan chimed in, sending a chuckle through the crowd.  

“Oh yes, indeed they were. Fireworks are actually much older, but regardless, they were used in 1777 and continued on as a fond tradition on the day in memoriam of the red, white, and blue colors of our flag, and now as a known staple to make the celebration truly complete.” 

The twins and their friends couldn’t wait for that portion of the town’s celebration; it was always their favorite. The town put on a great show, and the Fire Marshall and several firefighters kept it safe.  

“Now, as we continue on in our celebration, always remember that fireworks may be a ton of fun, but we must be very careful. Only grown-ups should handle fireworks, keep a safe distance from them, and follow the guidelines set up by the town.” 

They listened to a little more before going on their way, talking about the lesson they just learned, “I can’t believe that fireworks are so old!” Marisa commented. 

“Yeah, she said they were even older than 1777!” Dylan added. 

“Just think, on July 4th 1777, maybe there was a group of friends just like us wandering the celebration,” Harper suggested.  

“Oh wow, there probably was!” Harley agreed, “History really does repeat itself!” He used a common phrase from Miss Overman. 

“Hey, the funnel cake truck is coming up, come on!” Dylan called and they followed.