Just as John Adams, second president of the United States, suggested, some people in the Mon Valley are celebrating our nation's 230th birthday with illuminations.
After the Continental Congress declared independence from England, Adams suggested that fireworks, which he called illuminations, be used to celebrate.
The Mon Valley got the message. Attending fireworks displays and enjoying backyard picnics are how some will spend July 4.
"My brother Kenny has a party in McKeesport. We'll be lighting our own small legal fireworks. It will be a nice time to relax."
--Richard Prokop, Elizabeth Township
"We'll be going up to our camp in Tionesta [Forest County] and have a cookout and set off fireworks."
-- Frank Ober, Clairton
"I'll be visiting a friend, another retired nurse. I'll spend some time thinking of our deceased veterans. I just requested a flagpole from the county for our new South Park memorial for all the nurses who served in the Armed Forces."
--Mary Ann Rosko, West Mifflin
"I'll be watching the Brentwood parade. Our fire department will be in it."
-- Raymond Bodnar, mayor of Munhall
"On July Fourth I'll be getting things ready for the next day, July 5. A meeting of the Port Vue Seniors will be held at noon that day at the borough building. So I'll be preparing food on the Fourth. In between, I'll see my two sons and five granddaughters.
"Our senior meetings are bimonthly and consist of a luncheon, meeting and bingo. It's my turn to help this month."
-- June Steiner, Port Vue
"I'll still have relatives here left over from the family reunion we're having on Sunday in Liberty Park. I have 87 people coming from places such as Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee. It may be the last time my seven siblings and I are together. After the reunion, whoever is still here will join us for a get-together on the Fourth."
-- Levina Kerko, Liberty
"We'll have a family get-together with a barbecue. My children and my wife's sisters will be there. Some will go see the fireworks at McKeesport."
-- Richard Ponsonby, White Oak
-- Compiled by freelance writer Al Lowe
First Published: June 29, 2006, 4:00 a.m.
