FIREWORKS: One night of noise for 250 years of freedom

It is that time of year again. The regular complaints about Fourth of July noise are starting to surface. Every summer, a vocal minority begs for complete silence on our nation’s most historic holiday. Let’s be completely clear about this: crying for absolute silence on Independence Day is entirely un-American.

Nearly 250 years ago, our brave founders fought hard and won our freedom with iron, lead, and steel. They risked everything to build a free nation. We choose to honor that massive historic victory the traditional way. We use loud, proud fireworks, bright lights, and great backyard BBQs with family.

To the constant critics and complainers: you already get 364 days of quiet peace every single year. You have the rest of the calendar to enjoy your total silence. For just this one single day, step aside and let true Americans celebrate.

Furthermore, please stop wasting valuable city resources by calling local law enforcement over a few firecrackers. Every single July 4th, emergency dispatch lines are flooded with petty noise complaints. The police know it is a holiday. Frankly, they are laughing at these ridiculous cries for silence. Our officers have much bigger crimes to worry about than your neighbors having some good, clean patriotic fun. Do not bother them during this holiday season.

Let the kids light their sparklers. Let the big community displays boom across the night sky. Enjoy the delicious smell of backyard charcoal smoke in the air. This great country earned its right to be loud. We will not apologize for celebrating the birth of American freedom. Let freedom ring and let it ring very loud.

JOSH CALDERWOOD

Coeur d’Alene