Pomp, Parade & Beer Day

Why are there Independence Day parades and sporting events on July 4? (And lots of beer.)

A letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, dated July 3, 1776, explains how the statesman envisioned that subsequent generations of Americans would commemorate their independence from the British Empire. "It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more," he wrote. I wonder if his second cousin, Samuel, had perfected his beer recipe, by that time? Perhaps not, as it wasn't included on the list....