RELEASE: NFA Salutes Congressman Dusty Johnson’s Congressional Resolution to Save The Fourth

WASHINGTON – The National Fireworks Association (NFA) today thanked Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) for introducing a resolution recognizing the economic impact of the firework industry and the industry’s contributions in promoting patriotism throughout the country, and especially on our Nation’s Independence Day. 

The resolution recognizes the historic importance of the nation’s fireworks industry and the role it plays in bringing communities together and lifting our nation’s psyche; supports the commitment to bring fireworks back to Mount Rushmore; and urges cities and towns across the country to reconsider postponing or canceling Fourth of July celebrations.  

"We're thankful to Congressman Johnson for championing the fireworks industry and working to save the Fourth,” said Steve Houser, President of the National Fireworks Association. “We're job creators who work in a hyper-seasonal industry and create over a billion dollars in economic impact for our nation's economy in a very short period. But in this particular time, we also feel we can play a role by bringing people together in the spirit of something quintessentially American."

Last year, the fireworks industry generated one billion dollars in economic benefits to local communities from small, family-run businesses, primarily in the two-week period leading up to the Fourth of July. 

Numerous cities across the country have been canceling their Independence Day fireworks shows, including two of the largest cities on the East Coast. Boston, the home to former President John Adams, who was the inspiration behind the Fourth of July and the first city in America to declare it a holiday, recently cancelled their annual show with the Boston Pops. Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, also recently announced their annual Independence Day festival would be canceled. 

“As states and cities begin to re-open across the country, a celebration of America’s birth and our freedoms will be a welcome occasion,” said Congressman Dusty Johnson. “While South Dakota prepares for a visit from President Trump and a historic fireworks display at Mount Rushmore, neighboring states should press on with their socially-distanced Independence Day celebrations. America needs a morale boost.”

The National Fireworks Association has been encouraging cities and towns across the country to move forward with annual Fourth of July displays that adhere to recommended social distancing guidelines. This includes allowing drive-up shows where spectators remain in their vehicles; launching fireworks from undisclosed locations; and working with local broadcasters to make shows available on television and via livestreaming on social media.

The NFA has been actively campaigning to “Save The Fourth” with an online petition to President Trump. 

About NFA: The National Fireworks Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the safety of consumer fireworks and professional display fireworks. Importers, distributors, manufacturers and sellers of commercial fireworks make up the over 1200 small businesses member companies who operate in the United States. 

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