We owe a word of thanks to Peoples TWP for putting up the $11,000 for the traditional Independence Day fireworks show this July 4 in Butler. Thanks too to American Water, whose contribution will make for a bigger pyrotechnic display.

Thanks also to Mayor Tom Donaldson, who broke the hard news last week that the city has no funding available for fireworks — knowing he would face public scorn unless a sponsor like the gas company stepped up and saved the day.

That being said, a word of thanks seems inadequate, particularly if we fail to remember why fireworks are one — and only one — of the many ways we Americans have celebrated our nation’s birthday over 269 years.

On that first birthday, July 4, 1777, Congress arranged an elaborate celebration. In the Philadelphia harbor, ships decked in red, white and blue fired their cannons in 13-gun salutes to each of the 13 new states. Parades, fireworks and bonfires completed the festivities. Church bells pealed long into the night.

The effect was more than a celebration. The shindig raised the spirit of wartime America and reminded everyone that they were fighting for a liberty they all cherished.

They were celebrating a nation’s prosperity that was yet to come.

As Massachusetts delegate John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, July 4 “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.”

Adams’ words seem prophetic — at least where fireworks are concerned. We “murkins” sure love our fireworks.

But the question should not be about love of pyrotechnics; it should be about love of country. Do we “murkins” really love America?

Peoples TWP is funding the show as an investment in local economic development.

“If you take a look at what these types of activities do, how that increases value in the community, that’s very important,” aid Barry Kukozich, a spokesman with Peoples. “The healthier our communities are, the healthier we are as a company.”

In other words, the Independence Day fireworks display is a morale-builder — as much as the Independence Day was.

We should celebrate accordingly. We should contribute our time, resources and energy toward a true community celebration. Flags, concerts, cook-outs, ball games, church bells, maybe even a parade.

There should be an abundant expression of gratitude for our God-given liberties.

We should celebrating the fact that we are free, whether or not the fireworks are paid for.