Celebrating Veterans Day with Fireworks? Michigan Law Allows It

While Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day may not be considered "fireworks holidays" by everyone, all are included on the list of national holidays for which the use of these colorful explosives is permitted by state law.

Under Michigan's controversial fireworks law, citizens can ignite, discharge and use consumer fireworks the day before, day of and day after a national holiday, including Veteran's Day on Sunday, Nov. 11.

The penalty for violating this ordinance is a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail.

The 10 national holidays recognized by the law include:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• President's Day or Washington's Birthday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Many state residents and city leaders – including those in Royal Oak – have expressed frustration with the Fireworks Safety Act of 2011. Royal Oak passed a fireworks ordinance in May that bans the personal use of fireworks on all days except those protected by the state law.

The law was designed to increase revenue to the state and encourage citizens to buy consumer fireworks in Michigan rather than in neighboring states.

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