It only happened by chance. Someone shared this story on my personal Facebook feed and suddenly I felt awfully stupid.
The photo was of a veteran holding up a sign. It was so simple, yet it never occurred to me. In an instant I realized how much I take our veterans for granted.
The sign reads:
Combat Veteran.
Please Be Courteous With Fireworks.
www.MilitaryWithPTSD.org
Some think the signs are offensive because they put a damper on the fun.
“Negative. It’s counter to everything we stood, fought for to hamper patriotic celebration or impose views upon anyone taking part,” one person commented on Twitter.
I think most folks will find that they can celebrate without causing these heroes any more anguish.
What these veterans are asking for is just a little consideration on a very special day. July 4th marks Independence Day for Americans each year, but for thousands of vets, the fireworks can be a trigger for difficult memories. For the many vets dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, the sound of the fireworks popping is all too similar to the sound of bullets.
PTSD is a serious condition many soldiers find it unmanageable; others only find solace with the help of service dogs.
On a holiday meant to honor those who fought for our Independence in 1776, we must be considerate of those who fight for our freedoms today.