I write this on July 24, amidst the chaos of fireworks going off. My nerves are frayed, the horse outside is terrified, and my 3-year-old nephew is in tears. Many more animals and children are suffering through what sounds more like a war zone than a celebration.
The legalization of aerial fireworks has not benefited our state. Instead, it has caused several wonderful holidays to become the most dreaded days of the year for too many people. I loved New Years, July Fourth and Pioneer Day as a kid. I loved how special it was to go to the park for a fireworks show. Fireworks are no longer special or fun, they are a punishment that I have to endure, not only on those holidays mentioned but days before and after each holiday. It’s gotten way out of hand.
Fireworks are wonderful in a live show at the park. When everyone is letting off aerials and other loud fireworks, it is overwhelming, excessive, creates air pollution, is a fire hazard and makes the holidays a night of torment. Just the previous night, as I was in my home, trying to drown out the sounds, I heard a thud on the roof from a detonated firework landing on the house. I was on alert, wondering if I would have to attend to a potential fire. That shouldn’t be happening!
We should all be able to enjoy celebrating these events but what is happening today is not celebration. Why not go back to allowing a fireworks show to be put on by different municipalities? It would create a better atmosphere for connection and a feeling of community if we catered more public events where people could go to enjoy fireworks. Let’s restrict aerial fireworks and bring back true celebration that doesn’t harm sensitive adults, children and animals.
Teresa Hobbs, Lehi
