Orlando apologizes for saying they ‘can’t blame’ people who won’t celebrate 4th of July

The City of Orlando felt compelled to backtrack, but many say their statement perfectly summed up their current feelings about the state of affairs in America.

The City of Orlando, Fla. has apologized after controversy arose around comments released for their annual Fourth of July fireworks celebrations.

In the statement, published to the city newsletter last Friday, it said:

“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?

“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,” the newsletter added. “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.”

Although the post didn’t explicitly describe the “strife” America is facing, many Americans have hinted at eschewing celebrations after the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, disheartening news to come out of the Jan. 6th hearings, multiple mass shootings in recent weeks, and the costs of rising inflation.

The statement sparked disappointment online, with some criticizing the “un-American” message.

Christina Pushaw, spokesperson for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, shared her displeasure in a tweet.