Fireworks
Dear Editor: Happy Fourth of July weekend. As you celebrate please think of your neighbors before you put fire to those fireworks.
For many of us the Fourth of July is anything except a holiday. Please think of the already sleepless babies, toddlers and their parents. Please consider the veterans who served so you can celebrate this day. Think of those who continue to work the weekend, often in service roles. I see the same startle response to loud noises in my first responder friends as I do my baby/toddler. These are individuals who volunteer themselves to be there when we need them.
Many of us will also not be able to join in celebration at the parade due to the loud noise of the musket fire. So far as I can tell our 25-year-old newt does not mind the fireworks. However, I know many anxious pets and their owners who also do not find this weekend to be a holiday. Please think about those who need days to recover from the physical, and emotional toll caused by several days of sleep disrupted by the stress response to unexpected loud noises.
Let us find other ways to celebrate. Thank you for your consideration.
Jessica Pyatt, Sitka
