Bells and Bonfires; Games and Sports

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.
-John Adams

Solemnize: To perform or celebrate

It does not mean: to make dull and boring.

John Adams had it right about Independence Day. It is not a day of somberness and overwhelming gravity. It is a day to celebrate. To remind ourselves of the joy of freedom. It is a day for fun and games, not boredom inducing speeches. It is a day to give gratitude that we live in such a country where freedom was given new definitions.

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.
-John F. Kennedy

A couple years ago I put together a short video simply to show fireworks. It is the John Adams' way!

The Way John Adams Would Want It

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.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.