Ahead of the city’s annual 4th of July fireworks display, the city of Orlando released a hateful announcement asking why anyone would even want to celebrate the holiday.
“A lot of people probably don’t want to celebrate our nation right now, and we can’t blame them. When there is so much division, hate and unrest, why on earth would you want to have a party celebrating any of it?” the statement reads.
It continues, “But in all seriousness, you know in your heart, Fourth of July fireworks are amazing, especially when you are standing in 90° heat, 100% humidity, next to 100,000 of your closest friends. In that moment, something takes over and we all become united in an inexplicable bond. Yes, America is in strife right now, but you know what…we already bought the fireworks.”
Unsurprisingly, Orlando received a great deal of criticism from people who love their country and want to celebrate its birthday – many of whom served in the U.S. military.
“It is an affront to the brave men and women who sacrificed it all to protect the freedoms and individual liberty we enjoy today, the Florida GOP said on Twitter responding to the announcement. “We live in the greatest nation in the world and it’s a shame some of Orlando’s leaders don’t understand that.”
It is an affront to the brave men and women who sacrificed it all to protect the freedoms and individual liberty we enjoy today. We live in the greatest nation in the world and it’s a shame some of Orlando’s leaders don’t understand that. pic.twitter.com/dL5gc8necP
— Florida GOP (@FloridaGOP) July 4, 2022
After enduring backlash from many patriotic Floridians, the city released an apology for their inconsiderate comments.
“The City of Orlando sincerely regrets the negative impact our words have had on some in our community,” the apology began. “We understand these words offended some of our residents, which was not our intent. We value the freedoms we have in this country and are thankful to the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for those.”
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The city officials concluded their statement by thanking those who have served in the armed forces.
A statement from the City of Orlando pic.twitter.com/CbCcOOCATz
— City of Orlando is Prepared for Hurricane Season (@citybeautiful) July 2, 2022
While many Orlando residents were dissatisfied with the original announcement, one Democratic politician said the apology was unnecessary.
“Y’all do not need to apologize — your first email captured the tone of how many Americans (and Orlandoans) are feeling right now. It’s ok not to be ok,” State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D) wrote on Twitter.
Y’all do not need to apologize — your first email captured the tone of how many Americans (and Orlandoans) are feeling right now. It’s ok not to be ok.
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) July 2, 2022
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