Dear Editor,
I am writing with a request that you help spread the word to help our local vets with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Independence Day is a terrific day to celebrate with your family, to remember, and be thankful for the freedoms that we have in our country. With chaos seemingly all around us, a set aside day to unite us is exactly what we need. However, for vets all over the country, July 4 and the days leading up to it, are anything but relaxing. It’s no secret that we live in a town surrounded by military bases. Even though we are used to the military being a part of our lives, not everyone is familiar with some of the struggles that veterans have personally. PTSD is a very wide spread issue with veterans. When you light off fireworks, it often times triggers flashback events for these vets. Triggered events can be anything from general unease and anxiety to full blown break downs, violent episodes and even suicide. I do not believe that people intentionally disregard the needs of these veterans; there is simply not much public education about it. PTSD is a very personal struggle for these men and women so it is often times not something that you may be aware of, even if you are a friend or family member. No one is saying to not do fireworks and that people should not enjoy their weekend. However, for the sake of our veterans, please be respectful with your fireworks. You can talk to your veteran neighbor to let them know beforehand if you plan to use fireworks, use them only on the 4th when they will be expecting them, and not use them at all hours of the night. With 22 veteran suicides each day, we need to do all that we can to help our nation’s heroes. Independence Day is a day where we celebrate our freedom; let’s remember to care for those that fought for us to have that right.
Alexis Griffee
Milton
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Consider veterans when using fireworks