BOSTON: July 4th is celebrated across the USA as the day Americans got rid of British monarchy and obtained resurrection of liberty. Hundreds of years later, the national holiday remains important, as a day to pay tribute to the United States of America-its laws, heritage, history, and people.
The City of Boston commemorates this day with a classic daylong celebrations where thousands of people from Greater Boston area and the tourists participate with full spirit.
At 9 am, there was a flag raising ceremony on City Hall Plaza followed by a parade to the Granary Burial Ground, where wreaths were laid on the graves of the patriots and then the parade continued on to the Old State House. At 10 am, the Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony of the Old State House just as it was read to the citizens of Boston on July 18, 1776.
Hundreds of thousands of people attended an evening archetypal festive event on the Boston’s Charles River Esplanade where a free concert featured the Boston Pops Orchestra, as well as other major artists. At 8:30pm, crowds came out to listen to the performers as Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops conductor, led a star-studded concert in the Hatch Shell, an outdoor venue.
The Esplanade became swamped with a mass of people, and the Charles River Basin was filled with countless pleasure boats to watch the 23-minute Fireworks Spectacular which was set to music of the Boston Pops in the second portion of the concert. Traditionally, the grand finale of the Independence Day concert is a stirring rendition of Tchaikovsky’s1812 Overture by the Pops which features real cannons and the live ringing of area church bells.
A huge fireworks display lights up the entire Back Bay area, with hand-powered bells ringing from ancient edifices in the nearby neighborhoods. Fireworks are exciting and mesmerizing part of America’s birthday celebrations for all ages. The explosive sounds, the bright colors and the unexpected displays of beautiful patterns are magnificent as they blast through the dark sky over Boston Harbor and the spectacular city skyline.
The Boston Fireworks Spectacular concluded with a 21-minute pyrotechnic extravaganza from Grucci Fireworks. Beautiful weather and clear sky allowed the pedestrian views of the pyrotechnics from both sides of the river. Nearby high-rise hotels and chartering boast also presented excellent views of the fireworks.
Thousands of spectators were eagerly taking pictures of magnificent fireworks array that filled the skies above Boston with a stunning presentation of color and breathtaking display.
This is a wonderful experience for us. ‘We enjoyed the sights, sounds and tastes of Boston while exploring the city by day or night’ said Mamata Mahadevappa, a tourist from Bay area who came to Boston with her son just to tour around.
Geetha Patil
