 He was a couple of days off, but yes, America's celebrations have continued. The summer of 1776 saw some colonists holding mock funerals for King George III, symbolizing the end of the monarchy's hold on America. Early festivities included public readings of the Declaration of Independence, and the tradition of setting off fireworks started in Philadelphia, July 4, 1777, complete with a 13-gun ship's cannon salute to the colonies.