Celebration, Fireworks And PTSD | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Celebration, Fireworks And PTSD

A reminder to all.

13
Celebration, Fireworks And PTSD
Military With PTSD

Jon Oliver from "Last Week Tonight" once said that most firework displays were the sequence of one blue burst, one red burst, then one white, then a combination of all three. Then, for the finale, it seemed like someone just lit all of them because they were tired and had a show on the DVR at home, but let's stop for a moment and think about this.

Do you ever actually remember that display?

I know every year, around the Fourth of July, my dad would be off work, usually with a three-day weekend. We would grill food like hamburgers, hot dogs some chicken. Mom and I would spend all morning in the kitchen making potato salad and cutting fruits for easy, grab-and-go snacks. We would eat and talk and enjoy the usual hot summer day in Oklahoma. After lunch, we would swim or lounge around. We had nothing to do or worry about, so why not relax? Then, around dusk, you would start to hear the sounds of little children lighting little firecrackers and laughing. Soon, the big firecrackers would start to go off. My family was never big into shooting them off ourselves. We would just sit and watch all of the neighbors.

Then I noticed a sign stuck in a yard.

Combat veteran lives here: Be courteous with fireworks.

These signs have been a growing sensation all over the country. You can see the whole story on them and even buy a sign for a loved one at www.militarywithptsd.org. I encourage you to check out the Explosion of Kindness 2016 map. This map has a marker for every sign, and I would like to see it filled by the end of this year. They have already shipped out double the amount they started with in 2015. Their goal is to ship 10,000 firework signs to veterans by the end of this year.

I have studied Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for years and know much on the subject. That is even why I am studying to be a psychologist here at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. I know the effects, and I have seen my fair share of examples. I would never want to learn that something that I celebrate is causing someone else pain or flashbacks. I hope people take time and realize that this sign can benefit everyone in your community.

These signs are all over. One may be in your neighborhood. One may be in your front lawn. So, my challenge for you this week is if you know someone there is a veteran who suffers from PTSD, please seek them out and tell you when you will be shooting off fireworks. These signs do not mean you can't celebrate in your usual fashion, they are only asking for some courtesy. This way, everyone will enjoy their Fourth of July this year.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Kristin Buggy

College is supposed to be one of the best times of your life. However, it is also one of the toughest transitions to make. There is so much anticipation and excitement leading up to moving into college. It doesn’t truly hit you until move in day when your parents say their final goodbyes and you see their car drive away. You truly are on your own. I was blessed to meet my best friends within the first week of school. Your college friends are so important and here’s why:

Keep Reading...Show less
13 Real Thoughts Every College Student Has At Some Point
Good Call

There are a few thoughts that go through a college student's mind on a day to day basis. Some of those thoughts come from class, some of then come from when you are bored in class. Here are sixteen thoughts that college students think of on a day to day basis.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Mouse, Cookie, Chaos!

He's going to ask for a glass of milk

83467
mouse with a cookie

One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone does not try to help their self before asking others. How can someone else be expected to help you if you do not first do that yourself? I'm all about helping those that need it when the time comes, however whenever someone does not even attempt to help him or herself first then that becomes a huge problem. As we all have learned, people tend to take advantage of us in one way or another. I am sure we all read this short story when we were younger and it follows that same principle:

Keep Reading...Show less
39 Traits You Know You Have If You're A Libra
Flickr

If you were born between September 23rd - October 22nd, then you are a Libra. Let's be real, Libras are the best because you are the perfect balance of all things in life. Some may find this boring, but they don't know anything about what it means to be all things at once. As Libras, we hold much on our shoulders that no one can understand. These are traits you know to be true if you are a Libra:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

12 Types Of Drunk Girls You'll See In Every Friend Group

"Getting drunk with your best friends is an experience in and of itself. It takes us on wild and ridiculous adventures with the people we trust with our lives."

2038
friends
Cloud Front

Getting drunk with your best friends is an experience in and of itself. It takes us on wild and ridiculous adventures with the people we trust with our lives. Each one of you plays a vital role in making sure the night goes (relatively) smoothly.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments