Here I am with the remains of the fireworks.

These are the lessons learned this year:

1) Do not let someone place the mortar shell upside down, the explosion is far too close and ruins the launcher.
2) Bring a good flame. Matches, incense, or lighters don't cut it on a windy beach. Next year we are considering a road flare or a butane torch.
3) Individual rockets are a pain. The multi shell mortar launchers are the best. They shoot 25-50 bursts into the air from one fuse. The crowd is happy and it is easy on the fire team.

Update: Some of you are a bit confused. We are vacationing in North Carolina, where fireworks are legal. Also, our dog is in California, far from the display of fireworks on the beach. We love both our pets and the law (although Michele did get a speeding ticket here).