I am a big fan of the concept of the 4th of July as the beginning of our present country. I am not a person who needs to surround himself with flags since my flag is inside my head and heart. My father fought in WWII as a machine gunner with the 3rd Division and saw action in Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. He came home with a problem he called battle fatigue with some of the symptoms being unable to enjoy the sounds of the 4th. I remember seeing my dad try to get under a couch with maybe 2 inches of space from the floor as the big fireworks started. Of course, as a kid, I liked to blow up things but dad's fears during the noise made me less of a follower.
I have had dogs for many years and always, and several of them have a terrible fear of the fireworks and one that I have now needs tranquilizers to put her out of it. With all the veterans we now have, all the animals, it is my opinion that the fireworks industry has bought their existence through contributions to politicians. Our city for years had a ban on aerial fireworks and allowed shooting on the 4th and 5th. This year our city allowed aerial fireworks for individuals, larger ones with lots of noise, and the end effect was fireworks stands on about every corner including huge tents. The city had heard from the citizens to keep the guidelines but voted for business (Again) instead of the citizens who are affected.
I served in the Army Security Agency and while I was not exposed to loud noises all the time, I monitored some war games in Germany and the noise was horrible. I love my country, I love other countries, I love my flag and I give it my respect but I do not use it as a background nor do I use it to prove my patriotism. This flag is mine as much as those who display it all the time.
I just wish the fireworks shooters would respect the safety, both physical and mental, of those who are affected.
