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Letter: July 4 and Pioneer Day both deserve glorious fireworks

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Soccer fans enjoy the fireworks after watching soccer action between Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City at Rio Tinto Stadium, Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

I’m one of those who were disappointed that the traditionally largest display of July Fourth fireworks in Salt Lake City, Sugar House Park, was canceled this year.

I understand that this was done due to lack of sponsorship and concern about fire. But the potential for fire is certainly as high at Liberty Park, where the Pioneer Day fireworks will be held on July 24.

Both events, Pioneer Day and Independence Day, celebrate identity and are certainly to be acknowledged. But which of these days is more fundamental to our collective identity as Americans?

It is not that I wish to pit these two events against one another. Both grew out of a common spirit of independence, freedom and free will But which should take priority — our Utah history or the founding of the United States of America?

Maybe next year, we can do better and again celebrate both events with the glory of fireworks.

Gerald Lazar, Salt Lake City