What better way to celebrate the independence of the United States than by taking the day off from work, grilling meat, and watching stuff blow up.
In colonial Boston, official proclamations were read from the Old State House balcony, looking down State Street towards Long Wharf.
Each July 4th, the Captain Commanding of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company reads the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House. The reading of the Declaration of Independence dates back to July 18, 1776, when Colonel Thomas Crafts performed this duty for the first time.
