Nothing punctuates an Independence Day celebration better than seeing the night set aglow by fireworks. There’s tradition in this, of course, but it’s also an excellent opportunity for communities to gather together and mark the nation’s birthday with a grand illumination for all to see.
Less appealing is what we can expect in many Hampton Roads neighborhoods this week: amateurs lighting fireworks within close proximity to people and homes. In addition to being illegal, such behavior is disruptive at best and deadly at worst, and those who do so should, quite simply, knock it off.
Revelry greeted the news in 1776 that the Continental Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence, formally severing ties with Great Britain. Though there was plenty of pro-British sentiment in the colonies, and it wasn’t until the war’s conclusion that independence was truly secured, the announcement was celebrated with parades, bonfires and musket fire.
The first fireworks on July 4 followed in 1777 — first in Philadelphia and Boston, and later to other cities and states, according to historians at Mount Vernon. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported that ships in the harbor discharged 13 cannon in honor of the “Thirteen United States” and closed the evening with the ringing of bells and “a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets)”
Our modern July 4 commemorations trace their roots to these early celebrations, though the displays one can expect at Victory Landing in Newport News and Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach (and other celebrations throughout the region) are far more intricate, colorful and thrilling than those of the colonies.
Those events are planned and executed by professionals, with good reason. Fireworks can be hazardous, harmful and even deadly if ignited improperly. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms last year for fireworks-related injuries. Eight people died, including one in Virginia.
Even sparklers and firecrackers, usually considered safer options than the larger explosives, resulted in a combined 1,500 injuries last year. Sparklers burn at incredibly hot temperatures and can cause severe burns if used improperly.
Most fireworks — generally anything that shoots into the air — are illegal to purchase, sell, possess or ignite throughout Hampton Roads, though the commonwealth does allow sparklers and some ground-based fireworks. Violations are a Class I misdemeanor and can be punished by a $2,500 fine and/or up to a year in jail.
Not that those consequences are enough to deter some people from setting off fireworks as part of their holiday festivities. Already this week, some Hampton Roads residents have been warming up for Independence Day, sending concussive booms rattling through area neighborhoods. This happens annually and this year will be no different.
But there are reasons not to do so and to discourage those amateur pyrotechnicians from engaging in such behavior.
First is the consideration that should be paid to our veterans, tens of thousands of whom call Hampton Roads home. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that explosions can cause trauma among those who served in combat zones and who are diagnosed (or not) with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Many veterans detest the days leading up to July 4, knowing they may be subjected to a percussive barrage before, during and after the holidays. They can stay away from the large celebrations but are helpless when their neighbors start firing off Roman candles in the street.
The second is for pets, particularly dogs, since many are reactive to loud noises and cannot handle fireworks so close to home. Again, a pet owner can avoid the large municipal displays, but that’s small comfort when the explosions happen nearby.
Fireworks are illegal in Virginia for a reason, but it would be nice if residents here also considered their neighbors and, as State Fire Marshal Billy Hux recommended last week, “Opt for safety this holiday by enjoying fireworks at a professionally organized show.”
