— by Lin McNulty —
As we wade through the festivities of Independence Day, at least two groups would give anything to not experience the sounds of a lively fireworks display: pets and vets.
An annual display that is a visual celebration, rather than a reenactment of war that causes vets and pets to tremble, is now a possibility. Although the technology has been quietly available for the last 30 years, it is now catching on and silent fireworks are “all the rage” in Europe now.
Explosions from fireworks displays can trigger PTSD symptoms in combat veterans. As an Oklahoma TV station reported: “We hear fireworks, they hear death.”
Pets also suffer from the booms and bangs that come out of the sky. The rate of missing pets skyrockets after the 4th of July celebrations, increasing by 30 percent.
Although they are not exactly “silent” as the name may imply (the sound of the initial launch can still be heard), loud mid-air bangs and ear- and nerve-shattering booms are eliminated. After a firework explodes, the pellets ignite, burn, and generate color. If an initial burst is too powerful, the pellets shatter and there is a loss of color. The technique allows for more color and choreography in the display.
Perhaps the time has come, and next year we can get more color and less bang for our buck.
I would like to second this wonderful suggestion, Lin. It is not only pets that are affected, but wild animals as well. Those of us who volunteer as part of the Kwiaht project at Indian Island know that oystercatchers try to nest on the island every year. There is currently a chick that has several weeks before being old enough to leave the island. Every year the fireworks, launched from a barge just off the island, scare the heck out of the birds. Whether the chick will survive is anybody’s guess. I know there will be those who pooh-pooh this, saying it shouldn’t be any big deal to sacrifice a bird in order to celebrate Independence Day. But as you have stated so well, the noisy fireworks cause trauma in vets and pets. The least we can do to honor our veterans is to do anything possible to minimize their PTSD symptoms. Thank you for this great suggestion, and I would hope that those in charge of putting on the fireworks might take this into account.
A “light show ” might enable the Chamber of Commerce to “”buy local”. It cerainly would leave less debris in the air, on the water and on the land…and lessen the fire danger on that day!
How about no fireworks? Trauma and pollution should be reason enough. The hypocrisy of celebrating independence with destruction is mind boggling.
How about no fireworks? Imagine a peaceful and healthy celebration of independence..
I think celebrating the images of bombs bursting in air is way past its time. We can find new and other ways to celebrate.
Thanks, Lin. How about a community sing to our vets and pets and wildlife and country. The Green is the perfect spot, with a stage for the Community Band and a silent light show after dark. Could even start at Waterfront Park and proceed to the Green.
And, should a contribution to a fireworks show REALLY be tax deductible????? The Chamber of Commerce certainly believes it should….. I disagree.
All great suggestions. AND just enough people to work on a committee to organize this change. I love it when like minded community members get together and take their letter-wring to the next level.
You all now have a year to research laser shows, get permitting from the FAA as the park might be in the fight zone, and fundraise for the cause. A non-tax deductible contribution that is.
Every year I read these same letters about fireworks, almost from the same people. When you want change, don’t just complain, work for it.
Perhaps more of a community involement on the issue of non fireworks on “non European Island” this July 4th.
Have the 100s of drummers on the Island be the sounds of fireworks and the Orcas Island school children makes pictures of the fireworks and hold them up for each blast.
Of course only songs allowed would be those like ..”We are the World”.. etc
OHHHH, OK we are fully criticized!!! But, why isn’t the Chamber interested in helping with something new? Just askin…. OK, Sandy, Jacquelyn, Robyn, Lynne and David — my email is merryb@rockisland.com. Give me an email shout out. If the Chamber doesn’t want to move forward, let’s do it ourselves. Merry
ahh Janet, you underestimate the power of the internet. Forming a committee ignores the problem the oyster catchers will face tonight.
We have from now until launch time tonight to form a circle of kayaks/boats/SUP’s around the launch site. ..just sayin’.
Committees, and internet comments can solve problems – or direct energy away from a real solution. We all get to choose. That’s what this day is about.
Stay safe and sane tonight!
Yes, not only the chicks on Indian Island but how about the thousands of dollars of drugs that are dispensed every year to tranquilize pets so they can get through the fireworks? Several years ago a wonderful horse on San Juan Island had to be euthanized because it was startled by the first boom and broke it’s leg running into a rock in it’s own pasture.
All of the above is awful. But if even one veteran suffers from the noise of fireworks, it is one too many. We owe our vets-BIGTIME!
What a wonderful sign of gratitude we could show them by a lazer show with some patriotic music.
Sandy — I don’t underestimate — I celebrate the power of the internet and forming committees. Merry has taken the lead. That is awesome. That is how things get done! Good to see the power of the internet working in such a positive, active direction.
I am so pleased to read all these comments. I read Lin’s editorial and expected her to get blasted with a bunch of nonsensical “be patriotic” themed responses. All these comments are great. I, however, am living and writing on Lopez Island and expect the jets to stop flying over us before the “best fireworks show in the Pacific NW” gets done for good. Lots of us on Lopez feel this way but it really does seem like a hopeless cause and not a chance in hell of getting enough support. So a lot of us critters visit hell on the 4th of July.
Just seems such a shame, to me, that our Chamber of Commerce is only interested in making money for business members rather than thinking of what is best for the Island in the long run. I was the President of the Small Business Council of the Palo Alto CA Chamber (yes, it was some years ago) but I remember a spirit of us wanting to make not only business better but of finding ways for everyone in the community to thrive. In my experience, that really is the best way forward. Again, just sayin’ And please contact me about going forward with alternatives! Thanks. Merry