John Adams believed July 2 would be celebrated as our nation’s birthday since that was the date in 1776 that the Continental Congress declared the United States free from British rule. It was ratified July 4, and that became known as our nation’s birthday. Yet, Adams wrote: “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.”
And for the most part, he was right, just about that and not the date. Our Independence Day is July 4, and municipal fireworks displays are a way to bring people together and celebrate our nation’s independence. It is one of the few things on which we can mostly agree.
The city of Redwood City, which has a Celebration Association funded by a longtime endowment, decided this year to spend half the amount it typically does to have a drone display for the Fourth of July. The city of Foster City, which had some preliminary discussions on eliminating the fireworks, decided to forgo them this year because of construction at its recreation center. So this might be temporary. One would hope.
At one time, people on the Peninsula would light off their own fireworks but the growing danger — both personal and wildfire — meant city government banned them. In lieu, cities such as San Mateo had their own display. San Mateo’s was at Bay Meadows and people from all over the city could come to the bandstand and watch them for free with patriotic music. Of course, Bay Meadows is no more and eliminating the municipal display was surely considered a money-saving move. The city even banned people from gathering at Seal Point Park to watch Foster City’s display. One year, there was not even one official event to celebrate the Fourth of July. It was a shame.
Now, San Mateo’s Music in the Park aligns with the Fourth of July so there is an event in the city to celebrate our nation’s biggest holiday.
In Redwood City and Foster City, there will still be festivities with Redwood City’s parade being the marquee event. But instead of the fireworks at the port, there will be drones. It is cheaper and quieter, which aims to help some people and pets. But unofficial fireworks are way worse, and without official ones, those will only grow in number. There will be more danger — both personal and wildfire.
This is the wrong direction. Redwood City should return the fireworks, Foster City should return the fireworks and San Mateo should consider returning its fireworks as well and opening up Seal Point Park for all to watch them.
There are safe and sane fireworks allowed in San Bruno and Pacifica, and those often provide cover for the real ones that go boom on the ground and in the air. There will be other cities facing more of this as well because there are no city-sponsored options.
Drones don’t cut it. They are hard to see at a distance, they can’t be heard and are essentially unimpressive. One day out of the year to celebrate our nation’s birth should be reason to provide us with booms and awesome displays of both pomp and pride, and not cower behind the conjured idea of sustainability to save a buck.
We should have some pride in our country, and ourselves, and stick with tradition.
Early in my career, Sue was my go-to. She was always there for me to answer questions or explain a situation. She was always happy to help and her mind was always on community service. Always.
The first few years at the Daily Journal were very challenging and it wasn’t guaranteed we would make it. When Sue started writing for us, I felt like we had established a big root since she commanded such respect in the community.
Sue’s willingness to take a chance on us and her loyalty over the years has meant the world to me. She is a true friend to the community, the Journal, and to me.
(3) comments
Fireworks on the 4th of July are something uncanny - something subconsciously visceral and deeply collectively palpable - that only one word comes to mind - Soul. It reminds me of the movie Sandlot when I was growing up in the 90s. Soul is something that hits everyone the same. Regardless of preconceptions. Like listening to Miles Davis or Pavarotti - or seeing a Picasso painting or smelling a rose. Soul unites. I feel now more than ever - we need to celebrate our basic human commonalities. What better time than now to drown out the noise and get back to basics. I just pray people are responsible while being irresponsible this upcoming 4th of July holiday in lieu of there not being that fireworks itch Americans need to scratch. Well written Mr. Mays. Have a good weekend everyone.
Jon, I couldn't agree more with your comments about Sue Lempert. She has been such an asset for San Mateo and a mentor for many. While I'm sorry her column won't continue, I know her influence and passion for our city will. Thanks, Sue!
Hello, Jon
I agree. We will see an increase in fires and injuries. The U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission reported that fireworks started more than 31,000 fires in 2022, and nearly 85% of those blazes were outside fires. In that same year, ERs treated more than 10,000 persons for fireworks related injuries, and about 28% of those injuries were sustained by children 15 years of age or younger.
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.