NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—On July 8, 1776, the first public readings the Declaration of Independence were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square heralded by the ringing of bells and band music. One year later, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia marked Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks. The annual custom eventually made its way to other towns, large and small, and the day was marked with processions, speeches, picnics, competitions, games, military displays and of course, fireworks.  These observations throughout the nation became even more prominent at the end of the War of 1812 with Great Britain. From his home at Monticello, a gravely ill Thomas Jefferson sent a letter in June of 1826 to Roger C. Weightman, the eighth mayor of Washington, D.C., with regrets that he could not attend the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.  It was the last document Jefferson ever wrote. …