Many will be celebrating America’s independence and the veterans who fought for it this holiday weekend. But some Ohioans might also do something that causes those same veterans a great deal of grief.
Fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition for communities across the state hosting big displays throughout the weekend. But each year, many Ohioans also hold their own personal backyard fireworks shows. Nicole Jackson, a Columbus psychologist who deals with veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome, says those unexpected fireworks can be a problem for some combat veterans.
“Because it is unexpected and because it reminds folks of previous experiences with trauma, it can put them in a very reactive state. I mean just imagine if you heard gunfire or an explosive blast what that experience might be like if that was the association you have to loud booms,” Jackson said.
There’s another reason to avoid backyard fireworks shows in Ohio: they are illegal.