The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays! Not only is it a patriotic event that reminds us of how blessed we are to live in such a great nation, but it also holds some of my fondest memories of growing up in Oklahoma. From watermelon feasts, to music festivals and fireworks shows the holiday is just one big moment of excitement.
Along with excitement comes the tradition of fireworks. Now there are two classifications in my opinion when it comes to fireworks. There are the huge professionally produced shows that you may see over Frontier City, or over some of the local community parks sponsored by local municipalities etc, and then there are the "amateur shows" that are put on by families such as mine. I can honestly say that we do our show outside of the city limits where it is legal, but as many a Fire Marshall and police officers can tell you many are done in culdesacs and front drives all over the metro. The amateur show may consist of simple fire crackers or sparklers or even larger "mortar" style, tube launched shells that push the envelope of amateur vs professional. No matter the style, we are reminded each year of the danger of these awesome spectacles. Hundreds of children this weekend will be burned, maimed or sadly severely injured do to careless use or outright negligence by themselves or family members.
Let's make this year's 4th of July a joy vs a bad memory in the memories of our children. Please take a moment and go over the safety rules and precautions of handling fireworks with your family and children this year. Here are a couple links that might help.
Have a safe and joyous 4th of July!