Celebration of Independence Day in Lowell

By Richard P. Howe Jr.

Independence Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates the adoption on July 4, 1776 of the Declaration of Independence  by representatives of the thirteen American colonies which were then at war with Great Britain.  Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence explained the reasons why the colonies had revolted and stated that the thirteen colonies were no longer part of the British Empire but were instead a free and independent country called the United States of America.

Soon after the American Revolutionary War ended in 1783, citizens of the newly created United States began celebrating the 4th of July as the birthday of America.  Since then, celebrations have come to include parades, fireworks, band concerts, picnics, baseball games and family reunions.
The city of Lowell celebrated Independence Day this year with a large fireworks display on the banks of the Merrimack River with the LeLacheur Park baseball stadium available to the public for viewing (although the fireworks were rescheduled from July 4 to July 5 to due heavy rain).  The town of Chelmsford celebrates the 4th of July each year with a mammoth parade that attracts marching bands, emergency vehicles, military units and elected officials from all over the region.

Many people gather at their homes with family members for cookouts that usually feature hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob and ice cream.  Sometimes individuals light fireworks even though the private use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts and subject to a $300 fine in the city of Lowell.

The United States is a nation of immigrants and immigrants have been part of Lowell since its founding.  Many who have come to America from other countries did so because of the freedoms and rights that were listed in the Declaration of Independence.  It is certainly appropriate to celebrate these freedoms each summer.