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South Dakota To Fight for July 4 Fireworks At Mt Rushmore
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem isn’t giving up without a fight. She plans to keep fighting the Biden administration to allow her state to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks at Mount Rushmore. Previously, the National Parks Services (NPS) denied her request.
Special Independence Day Celebration This Year
Noem promised she will do everything in her ability to ensure that America celebrates its birthday this year festively. Specifically, she wants fireworks at the state’s most famous monument, Mt. Rushmore National Memorial.
Ian Fury, Noem’s communications director, relayed to Fox News Monday the governor’s enthusiasm. “The best place in America to hold such a special celebration would be Mount Rushmore, fireworks included,” Fury argued. In fact, Noem even extended an invitation for the President to join in the festivities. “Rest assured, there will be plenty more from Governor Noem on this topic in the very near future,” he added.
NPS Declined the Application
The NPS previously denied the state’s application to use Mt. Rushmore as the celebration grounds. According to NPS Regional Director Herbert Frost, there are multiple reasons to deny the request. In a letter to the state's tourism department, the NPS said it is unable to grant a request for a fireworks celebration at the memorial.
“Potential risks to the park itself and to the health and safety of employees and visitors associated with the fireworks demonstration continue to be a concern and are still being evaluated as a result of the 2020 event. In addition, the park’s many tribal partners expressly oppose fireworks at the Memorial,” wrote Frost. “These factors, compiled with the COVID-19 pandemic, do not allow a safe and responsible fireworks display to be held at this site,” he added.
Biden Said Everybody Will Get Vaccines by End of May
Noem's office pointed at President Joe Biden's primetime speech last week, where he told Americans that “there is a good chance you, your family and friends can get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout or a barbecue and celebrate Independence Day.” Also, Biden made mention that this year’s July 4 celebration should hold a special place. “After a long, hard year, that will make this Independence Day truly special – where we not only mark our independence as a nation but we begin to mark our independence from this virus,” Biden said.
In addition, Biden announced that all adult Americans will have access to the coronavirus vaccine by the end of May. He said that the US should have enough supplies to provide vaccines for all of the country’s adults. If this is the case, then by July 4th, most if not all Americans should already have vaccinations. Denying permission for the event due to fears of the virus seems contrary to the administration’s goals.
Last Year’s South Dakota Celebrations
The 2020 Independence Day celebration saw the first use of fireworks at Mount Rushmore since 2008. A large crowd attended last year’s event, which featured speeches from former President Donald Trump, Noem, and Entertainment Tonight’s Mary Hart. If the NPS gave permission last year during the height of the pandemic, why can’t they issue a similar permit now that vaccines are constantly being distributed?
Watch Governor Kristi Noem’s appearance on Fox News where she said Democrats and the media used COVID to promote fear:
Should the NPS relent and grant permission for a July 4th celebration at Mt. Rushmore? Will you attend this event if you had the chance? Let us know what you think about this year’s Independence Day celebrations. Share your comments below.