The Fourth of July is a national celebration not only of our country’s birthday; but, of who we are as Americans and the things for which we stand. We gather together with our fellow citizens in our towns and neighborhoods, with family and friends to celebrate the distinctiveness of our people, our values and freedoms.  John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail upon the drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776:
 
“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to 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 forevermore.”
 
But this year, as we ready to celebrate the 244th year of our country, things seem a bit different.
 
As we struggle to come to terms with the outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic, local elected officials are considering canceling their city’s annual Fourth of July celebrations. Some celebrations have already been cancelled. We feel that as we come through this battle, and we will, there is even more reason for the country to heal and celebrate our nation together, making these fireworks shows even more necessary.
 
The NFA was founded on the concept of safety and safety remains our number one priority. We believe that even in the current status of our country, we can still celebrate our nation’s birthday in a manner that is safe and still follows appropriate social distancing guidelines.
 
The fireworks industry is hyper-seasonal and brings over $1 billion in revenues to small, family-run businesses that import, distribute, wholesale and sell fireworks. Those few short weeks of sales leading up to the Fourth of July determines an entire year’s worth of income for these families. The trailers, tents, and roadside stands that sell fireworks each and every year are run by Veterans’ organizations, school booster clubs, scouting troops, churches, and other local non-profit groups that support many families around the country, especially in trying times we currently face. These non-profits use the Fourth of July as a critical fundraising period.
 
This year marks the first time in over ten years our Nation will celebrate with fireworks at Mt. Rushmore, which is a shrine to some of our greatest Presidents. We believe we should also have the freedom to celebrate with illuminations in our very own communities, just as John Adams said. Right now, our collective psyche needs something that still feels quintessentially American and brings our communities together.
 
NFA asks you to sign the petition asking President Donald Trump to Save the Fourth of July so that together, even in these trying times, we can celebrate everything our great nation stands for.