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This past week the news dropped that Livermore will no longer hold the long running July 4th Fireworks displays.
The reasons for those changes are explained on the city website and they are compelling. Nevertheless, it is sad when a long-running tradition ends and worth a moment to remember the past.
The fireworks displays have taken place at Robertson Park, the Sunken Gardens, downtown Livermore, and even — that one time — at Las Positas Community College. Some of us remember bringing toddlers who grew into teens and then adults with their own children to ooh and aah at the colors and creativity in the sky.
Yet, in recent years, fire in the sky — no matter how controlled and beautiful — evokes memories of other uncontrolled fires, of skies a strange and terrible orange. And so maybe it is time to reimagine the meaning of July 4th.
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, making July 4th the birthday of the United States. How do we celebrate birthdays? Taking stock of what we have done in the past year and how we have (or have not) lived up to our values, giving or receiving gifts from loved ones, and celebrating together with a party.
Translating an individual’s birthday celebration to celebrating a country’s birthday could look like: Competitions or performances that focus on the values and themes expressed in the Declaration of Independence, either as aspirations for the future or reflections on the past.
Giving back to the US through service of some kind.
And the all-important party with music, food, and dance that represents the full range of the American experience.
Finally, having a place to tell each other individual American stories and, perhaps, keep those tales as a record for the future.
None of the above has the (literal) bang of the fireworks. But perhaps being together to work, play, and learn together is a truer way to celebrate the birthday of the United States.
