For many veterans, July 4th brings with it confusing emotions ranging from immense pride to silent rage. Celebrating our freedoms is certainly a worthy endeavor but too often, lost amid the cookouts, parades and fireworks, is appreciating the price of our precious and fragile independence paid for by the extreme sacrifices made by generations of American warriors. For some of these warriors, this day brings to the surface distressing memories of buddies lost and rekindles the heavy burden of survivor’s guilt. For others with PTSD, the loud booms and smells of smoke and sulfur triggers flashbacks that take their minds to ugly places. Think about how your dogs and cats freakout at the sudden sounds of fireworks exploding. This is why, as night approaches on the 4th of July, you will find many veterans alone in a room with all the doors and windows closed ready to dive for cover.
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