I have shared my opinion about the issue of fireworks at this time of year with friends and family, every year, I’m sure. I don’t like fireworks! That’s my opinion. I do like the Municipal Band performance which usually performs before the fireworks. The band members are very talented people who primarily volunteer their time and talent. A large amount of money is spent on the fireworks and someone ignites it, says “watch out!” and “stay away!” The audience claps, says oooh! and wow!

Prior to the fireworks while the band is playing the crowd can enjoy the music. My complaint: how come so many crowd members are blabbing, kids running around eating the junk food, yelling, and ignoring the beautiful live music being performed by the dedicated volunteer musicians for them.

Let’s cancel the fireworks and just continue with the band concert. That’s my suggestion.

The fireworks remind me of war. I don’t like the sound of war. Too many people don’t connect the fireworks celebration with war, I’m afraid, as many Veterans do. And war is hell! We Americans are lucky and we have not had to experience war on our land. I grew up in northern Wisconsin during WWII. We had to survive with a few limitations, but many families lost sons and daughters. We were pretty lucky for the most part. I’m a Veteran having served in the mid-50s and I have a hearing loss caused by the noise of guns being on a Navy ship. Not a severe life-threatening injury for sure, but I for sure don’t like it.

Other points to consider:

1. Babies are frightened by the loud noises.

2. Animals, pets like cats and dogs, are upset.

3. Why waste the money on flash-bang-bang?

4. Let’s avoid the reminding war experiences of Veterans.

5. Set a better experience for youth: music is better than fireworks, and safer.

6. Let’s spend more to support the Municipal Band.

7. I’m frightened by finding a piece of rocket debris in my yard on the day after the fireworks celebration.

8. Just stop the damn noise!