IV 116th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1036 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 1, 2020 Mr. Johnson of South Dakota submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform RESOLUTION Expressing support for the Fourth of July, America’s birthday, and bringing celebration and fireworks to our Nation’s Shrine of Democracy at Mount Rushmore.

Whereas, on July 3, 1776, Founding Father John Adams wrote to Abigail Adams expressing his belief that the signing of the Declaration of Independence should be commemorated “with Pomp and Parade, with Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more”; Whereas, on July 4, 1777, reflecting the vision of John Adams, fireworks were set off in Philadelphia as part of a celebration to commemorate Independence Day; Whereas throughout our history, Americans in cities and towns large and small have celebrated the birth of our great Nation; Whereas an estimated 49 million Americans traveled on vacation to these cities and towns during the Fourth of July holiday in 2019; Whereas for the first time in over 10 years, Mount Rushmore, our Nation’s “Shrine of Democracy”, will resume using fireworks in 2020; Whereas many cities and towns across the country are canceling or are considering canceling their annual Fourth of July celebrations: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes the historic importance of patriotic displays in the United States in annual Independence Day celebrations; (2) supports the commitment to bring fireworks back to our Nation’s “Shrine of Democracy” at Mount Rushmore; and (3) urges cities, towns, counties, and other municipalities to save the Fourth of July by reconsidering postponing or canceling their Fourth of July celebrations, so that Americans can enjoy our Nation’s birthday in a responsible and appropriate manner.