Every July 24, Utah celebrates Pioneer Day to honor the courage and determination of the pioneers who settled the Salt Lake Valley. Discover the history behind this unique holiday, the role of ceremonial artillery salutes, and how a centuries-old American tradition continues to echo across Utah today.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, discover the history behind Independence Day traditions like fireworks, cannon salutes, parades, and family celebrations—and why they still matter today.

Thunder Boom's New Flagship Signal Cannon in Honor of America's 250th Anniversary Some projects begin with a simple question. "What if we built the finest signal cannon we could—one that honors America and is as enjoyable to load as it is to fire?" The answer is The Sentinel. Inspired by traditional field artillery, The Sentinel combines timeless styling with modern precision manufacturing to create what we believe is the most refined signal cannon we've ever produced. Every

A Flash of Noise & History What Is a Thunder Mug? A thunder mug is a type of small signal cannon—often made of bronze or cast iron—designed to fire black powder charges to create a loud boom. These noisemaking cannons trace their roots to naval applications, where they were used on ships to signal harbors, warn of distress, or celebrate important events. By the mid-19th century, thunder mugs were used not just at sea but also for land-based signaling, ceremonies, and camp com