As most of us heard this past Memorial Day, the sound of locally purchased fireworks going off late into the evening was something new for a holiday that isn’t intended for celebrations.
A post on the Wilson Borough Community Facebook page, asking if there were fireworks that night spawned 51 comments.
What surprised me were those who made the argument that the day was something to be celebrated. At least one moron said that those who died fought for their right to use fireworks. Another said that New York City celebrates with fireworks.
I call, “Bullshit.”
First, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, not one of celebration.
Second, our men and women of the armed forces, who laid down their lives, didn’t do so to protect any “rights” toward the use of fireworks. Which, by the way, isn’t being used lawfully when set off near homes and beyond hours set by local ordinances.
Lastly, while some dolts in NY may use the day to fire off bottle rockets and mortars for their own pleasure, there is no official government sponsored use of fireworks at any Memorial Day event.
Sadly, a few organizations appear to be starting a new trend of using fireworks on Memorial Day as a means of drawing in crowds and the money they spend.
Flag Pole Hill Park in Dallas, Texas provided fireworks after their Dallas Symphony Orchestra finished playing.
The Hyundai Air and Sea Show in Miami gave beach goers an added fireworks show.
Navy Pier in Chicago, that is not associated with the U.S. Navy, provided fireworks to bring crowds into their entertainment/retail venues.
While Memorial Day has become a holiday to look forward to as a 3-day weekend and the recognized date that many see as the start of summer, it should always be remembered for what it was intended to be – a day to remember, at least for a few minutes, those who died.
Nobody expects the general populace to mope and cry for the fallen throughout the day. Enjoy the freedoms we still have and gather with family and friends for the cookouts. Be thankful for where we live and our rule of Democracy.
But if you look upon the day as an excuse to make noise and watch pretty explosions in the sky using celebratory ordinances, then you aren’t honoring anyone.
You are a selfish, disrespectful ass, totally absorbed in your own amusement.
Save your fireworks for days that should be celebrated with fireworks. New Year’s and the 4th of July.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
