It started in a letter from John Adams to his wife in which he stated that the signing of the Declaration of Independence should 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.” A year later, Congress ordained the tradition and enjoyed a fireworks display in Philadelphia, “which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the commons,” according to The Evening Post.

Aside from Philadelphia, Boston also celebrated with fireworks in 1777. As each year passed, the fireworks tradition spread throughout Boston and New York and various other cities.

Time went on and displays became more extravagant, with large platforms, the creation of festive images with fireworks, and more. These displays became an unspoken competition between cities, with New York coming out ahead (they held 15 different displays throughout the city).

In the early 1800s, pyrotechnicians became a popular profession and many were hired to create and execute cities’ fireworks displays. During this time, fireworks were also being sold to the public, even small children, which made the holiday especially dangerous. This practice was also brought to the West, where dynamite was used instead of traditional fireworks to illuminate the sky.

It wasn’t until the early 1900s that dangers of fireworks were brought to the forefront. Casualties began to be tracked and restrictions on fireworks were slowly introduced. More focus has been put on public displays, with exuberance varying through the years thanks to fiscal allowances.

Many associate fireworks with the lyrics in our National Anthem, and cherish their significance, dating back to the first Independence Day. Now, when you look up at the fireworks this Independence Day, you have a better understanding of what this display means to our history.

Share your favorite Fourth of July or fireworks memories with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Please enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday weekend, from your friends at Startechtel.com!

But there is a silver lining, and that’s the chocolate. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, we can all agree that one of the best things about Valentine’s Day is the abundance of chocolate.

Here’s a few reasons why chocolate is the best Valentine.

No Expectations

Reservations? You don’t need them. Fancy outfit? Not necessary. You may not even need to leave the comfort of your own home to enjoy the company of chocolate.

No Disappointments

With no expectations come no disappointments. The only worry you’ll likely have is about how long your chocolate supply will last. And even then, a quick run to the store can easily fix that.

Full Of Surprises

A box full of chocolate could be more exciting than a predictable Valentine’s date. It’s a thrilling guessing game of what type of chocolate you’ll bite into next. If it’s something you don’t like, you can easily move onto the next delicious surprise.

Health Benefits

It is said that chocolate can provide great health benefits. Namely, dark chocolate is said to lessen cravings for sweet, salty, and fatty foods. Basically dark chocolate will decrease my cravings while satisfying my sweet tooth? Winning!

Affordable & Delicious

Chocolate is cheap, and we don’t mean that in a bad way. For the price of an upscale, prix fixe menu, you could buy a ridiculous amount of chocolate and be much more satisfied. Quantity over quality? Nope – with chocolate you can get both!

But do you know what’s just as delicious, but more affordable than chocolate? FREE chocolate! And that’s just what you’ll get from your friends at Startechtel.com. Starting Monday, February 9, 2015, when you spend $300+, you’ll get a free box of chocolates!

Shop our stock of business phone systems and more online or place your order over the phone. Be sure to mention promo when ordering (online orders: use Order Comments Box). You must spent $300 or more (promotion based on website pricing only) to receive the complimentary box of chocolates. Act fast because this offer ends on Valentine’s Day (2/14/15)!

We will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2014 and Friday, November 28, 2014 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, December 2, 2014. Thank you for understanding.

Be safe & have a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your holiday weekend.