> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thesparrowpress.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # July Night Skies - URL: https://thesparrowpress.com/july-night-skies/ - Published: 2026-07-04T14:51:37.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-30T10:58:23.000Z - Author: Caleb Swenson - Tags: Newsletter, #Migrated-1793357894408, #Import 2026-10-30 10:58 The Declaration of Independence is kept at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. The 250-year-old parchment lives in a bulletproof case with no oxygen, and dim lighting. All in an effort to preserve the document. At night the case is lowered into a bomb-resistant vault deep beneath the building, yes just like in National Treasure. Among the fifty-six signatures on the Declaration of Independence is John Adams. Adams, a Founding Father, was considered the political voice of the revolution. Helping lead the way for our nation's independence and the writing of the Declaration. Though this wasn’t the only thing John Adams was writing in July of 1776\. Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail on the third of July that would shape how we celebrate our nation’s independence forever. On the third page of that letter, John writes: *“...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 the continent to the other from this time forward forevermore.”* Illuminations, fireworks. John Adams is the reason we use fireworks to celebrate on the Fourth of July, but where did they come from? The first firework was accidentally invented around 200 B.C. in ancient China. A loud “pop” rang out after throwing bamboo into the fire due to the air trapped inside it. This was only the start, it wasn’t until around 700 A.D. Chinese alchemists (medieval scientist wizards) attempting to discover the *elixir for eternal life* accidentally created gunpowder. Mixing saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal together. When applying heat, they quickly realized this was not the potion for immortality, due to the violent explosion and their hands and faces being on fire. An interesting occupation I imagine, were these guys getting paid? Thirteen hundred years later and we’re still lighting our hands on fire. An analysis of National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) tracking data, shows that the Fourth of July is the most dangerous day of the year. Accounting for 27% of annual firework injuries in one day. The second most dangerous? July 5th. Last year on the Fourth alone, there were an estimated 3,500 emergency room visits due to fireworks. The most dangerous? Sparklers. The innocent little “photo for your instagram” sparkler burns at around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. *Hands toddler 2000° fire stick.* Due to the gloriously chaotic obsession our country has with illuminations, ground rules had to be set. Each state having its own laws in place, some more strict than others. Massachusetts is the only state to totally ban consumer fireworks, only professional shows are performed. Minnesota along with sixteen other states fall into the “Safe and Sane” category. Meaning they allow at home fireworks, but nothing that shoots into the air or explodes. Twenty-nine states among the likes of Alaska, Georgia, and Indiana are nonchalant. As they refer to the federal guidelines allowing most everything. Then there are a few random states that have laws depending on the county, Nevada, Wyoming, and Hawaii. Regardless of location, Americans today are spending big bucks to celebrate. Last year $2.3 billion was spent on consumer fireworks, roughly 75% of that in July alone. That's nearly 300 million pounds of backyard bang. 2026 is pacing to top that at $2.5 billion. Though it's well spent, there are few feelings that match seeing the night sky lit up on the Fourth of July. All different shapes and colors, taking a second to glance at your loved ones as the red reflection shines over the amazement on their faces, along with everything associated with it. Warm weather, family, food, it's tough to beat. The Fourth of July gives us an opportunity to celebrate our freedom, but also create new memories. An anniversary we will celebrate, *forevermore*. --- What do you get when you mix a Founding Father and an ancient wizard? Less Fingers.