Happy 4th of July weekend in the USA

Fireworks, along with canon fire and church bells, have been part of Independence Day in the United States since the first organized celebration of the holiday, in 1777.

The 4th of July, officially known as Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This historic document declared the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule, establishing the United States of America.

The day is celebrated with parades, cookouts and picnics, concerts featuring patriotic music and after dark fireworks displays. I think it is important to celebrate the tradition, even when you don't feel particularly patriotic.

This fireworks display was on Edgewater Beach in Chicago, just a short walk from my kids house.

The thunderstorms stayed away and families enjoyed the relative escape from the heat near the cool water of the lake.

Reflections of the sparkling ariel blasts in Lake Michigan.

And here is a brief video for anyone wanting to hear the booms. Fireworks are often traumatizing for pets, wildlife and people with noise sensitivities.