Posts across the country lead Independence Day events, but for some veterans, fireworks pose a problem.
Across the country, in communities large and small, American Legion posts play an important role in celebrating the nation’s independence. In Indianapolis, American Legion Mall is the site of the city’s main downtown fireworks show. The Newport Harbor, Calif., Post 291 Yacht Club is gearing up for its annual “Old Glory Boat Parade” on July 4. Hundreds of other communities enlist help from Legionnaires to put on their celebrations.
Fourth of July feeds, parades and celebrations frequently culminate with fireworks shows that light up the skies and produce bangs and booms. For veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those displays can be a problem.
“As beautiful as they are, the sounds, smells and shockwaves of fireworks can be triggering for veterans with PTSD,” said Annie Tang, a staff psychologist at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Chicago. “These can bring up emotional and physiological reactions, and bring up trauma memories from the past, which can bring up intense anxiety and fear.”
Blanton-Thompson American Legion Post 155 in Crystal River, Fla., is offering its second annual “Escape the Fireworks” alternative event with music, food and beverages and no explosions, flashes or fire. The event was established last year following the suicide of a local veteran whose PTSD was presumed to have been triggered by fireworks explosions after Fourth of July displays.
VA’s National Center for PTSD reports that Fourth of July events can trigger combat trauma. “Even though fireworks are meant to entertain us, it is not uncommon for the sounds, intense light or smells to cause distress,” VA states on the center’s website. “Those who have gone through a trauma that included explosions, gunfire, loud noises or fire may be more likely to find fireworks to be a reminder – a trigger or cue – of such past events.”
WSBT 22 in Traverse City, Mich., reported in 2021 that for some veterans, it is not the scheduled fireworks shows that trigger PTSD “or even the days surrounding it. It’s the ones that randomly go off weeks before expected.” In some communities, signs are placed in yards to alert neighbors to be considerate of veterans who may have difficulty with 4th of July explosions and flashes.
The Montana VA Health Care System offered some tips and resources for veterans with PTSD who are concerned about the effects of the Fourth of July:
- If fireworks impact you, reach out to your loved ones and support systems. Let them know that you will need them to check in and be there for you.
- Veterans in crisis and those concerned about them can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) to talk with qualified responders or visit veteranscrisisline.net.
- Veterans experiencing PTSD can access a free app on their smartphones called PTSD Coach, which includes coping mechanisms for PTSD.
- Earplugs, headphones and white noise machines can help block out the noise of fireworks. Consider heading out of town to quieter places or where fireworks are not allowed.
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