If you need a sign that Boston is back, you don’t need to look past the fireworks show on the Boston Common.
Independence Day celebrations are back in Boston after the city missed out last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The festivities kicked off with a July 4th commemoration and a parade at Boston City Hall Plaza, where Mayor Kim Janey delivered remarks.
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"I hope we don't loose sight of the work that remains to truly make sure our nation is the land of the free and the home of the brave for all of us," Janey said.
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Janey on Thursday announced the city's plans for the weekend, which also include a parade from City Hall Plaza to the Old State House that started at 9 a.m.
The parade continued down Tremont Street, stopped at the Granary Burial Grounds, made a left onto School and Washington Streets before ending at the Old State House, where a reading of Declaration of Independence was scheduled to take place.
After that, people could tour many of Boston’s iconic museums and monuments, including the home of Paul Revere, the USS Constitution and museum and the Bunker Hill Monument and museum — all of which opened at 10 am.
Old Iron Sides, the USS Constitution, cruised through Boston Harbor and passed Fort Independence for a 21 gun salute at 11:30 a.m.
And why not have a chat with former President John Adams - our second U.S. president - about his role in the Revolutionary War? Well, not actually him. But someone playing him was answering questions of passersby in Downtown Crossing.
On Sunday night, the Boston Pops Fireworks will launch about 10:30 p.m. on Boston Common.
The forecast for Independence Day fireworks look much better for tonight than the last couple nights. The low clouds and fog should be gone and any evening showers should dry up, for a pleasant viewing experience. The temperature will be a little chilly, it’s sweatshirt weather, in the 50s and 60s.
This year, the Boston Pops are performing their annual concert July 4th Spectacular in Tanglewood, in coordination with the fireworks finale in Boston that traditionally accompanies the show. The concert, held from 8-11 p.m., will be televised -- it'll feature Mavis Staples and Jon Baptiste.
The traditional celebrations couldn't be held last year amid the coronavirus crisis.
There’s much more to do, which can be found on the Boston Harborfest website.
