Hot dogs, hamburgers and lots of bling! It's a wonderful day to kick back and enjoy family, friends and be grateful for the freedoms of our country. There are so many reasons to celebrate.
That being said, and in the spirit of being a good citizen, a good neighbor - I implore you, your children, friends and neighbors to please confine the terrifyingly loud firecrackers, bottle missiles and other piercing holiday explosives to designated areas. PLEASE!
For the infants, toddlers, elderly, ill and animals, the noise is exceedingly frightening and unnerving. Seriously. Children cry for hours because of the unexpected loud bangs; the startling and surprising noises could cause physical harm to those who are unwell or fragile; and our vulnerable animals try to take cover in bathtubs and under beds, or they react by barking and howling for hours on end.
It is not fun or funny for anyone save those too immature to be courteous and aware of their neighbors.
The city's fireworks are lovely, but limited - the time and area confined and anticipated. Shocking blasts from across alleys and backyards cause undue anxiety for those who must endure the adolescent mischief.
Have your fun, but please take it out of earshot of homes, apartments and senior living facilities.
Parents, neighbors, friends - I appeal to your sense of community: help bring down the noise this July 4. Firmly but kindly ask anyone in your neighborhood who is indulging in this tradition to be respectful of those people, children and animals who cannot endure the pop, whiz and bang of local celebrations.
Thank you.
Karla Halbakken
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