Drone show last night in La Jolla, California (video: Suitcase and Scenery)
The Fourth of July has long been associated with patriotic traditions, including fireworks displays that light up the night sky.
For some Service Members and Veterans with PTSD, though, the sound and sight of fireworks can trigger distressing memories, making the holiday a challenging time. Along with concerns about the environmental impact and health risks posed by fireworks, many California cities have turned to a more high-tech solution: drones.
Last night, California cities like La Jolla and Downtown Los Angeles held drone shows rather than traditional firework displays. Several other communities in the state, such as the Bay Area and Santa Monica, also joined the trend, recognizing the benefits of drone displays in mitigating environmental hazards, reducing the risk of wildfires, and creating a more PTSD and pet-friendly celebration experience.
Fireworks and the Fourth of July
Fireworks have long been a part of Independence Day celebrations. John Adams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, predicted that fireworks would be a central element of the holiday’s festivities. And over the centuries, fireworks displays evolved from their Old World origins to become a symbol of national prosperity and patriotism.
In more recent years, however, several factors have contributed to the replacement of fireworks displays. Rising costs of shipping, transportation, and labor, along with the threat of wildfires, smog, and their associated health risks have been driving forces in this shift as well.
Drone shows are safer, cleaner and PTSD-friendly
Drone displays offer a sustainable, quieter, and safer way to celebrate Independence Day, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities without exacerbating trauma or causing harm to the environment and sensitive groups.
Drone displays are an attractive alternative to fireworks, providing a similar visual spectacle while reducing air pollution, noise, and wildfire risks. They can also take place even in light to moderate rain, making them a good option for various weather conditions.
There are some drawbacks to drone shows
While drone shows offer several advantages, they can be more expensive to produce compared to traditional fireworks displays — at least when it comes to upfront costs. Battery life is also a concern, as drones typically have shorter flight times, requiring the use of more drones for longer shows.
The shift from traditional fireworks to drone displays represents a step towards a more inclusive and environmentally responsible way of celebrating Independence Day. By embracing this alternative, communities can honor the holiday’s traditions while ensuring the comfort and well-being of all, especially those who have served in the military and may be dealing with PTSD. As this trend continues to grow, it is likely that drone shows will become the future of Independence Day celebrations.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
Well this is my second time. Maybe alternative views are not important? My American Legion post has checked out drones and light shows. Very expensive and not liked very much when compared to fireworks shows. Many locales that tried them went back to fireworks. As you know, Washington, DC has a July 4th show every year and thousands attend and most of them are veterans. The fireworks shows are twice as long as our local show and everyone seems to survive. New York has one that is 3 times as long and 100 times as big and millions of people and dogs survive. To those who have PTSD and a 20 minute fireworks show disturbs you I suggest getting something to relax you. Fireworks is what people want, not drones, since before 1800. Listen to the cheering and hollering at a fireworks show and it tells what people like and the answer is fireworks.
My American Legion Post has checked out drones and light shows. First comment is that not many people like either type of shows. July 4th has been all about fire works even prior to 1800. Second comment is both of these shows are much more expensive then fireworks. Third comment is that quite a few locales that switched for a year went back to fireworks the next year. If a veteran has a problem with fireworks it would be to his/her advantage to seal up themselves at home or talk to their doctor about a relaxant for that 20 minutes of their life. For the dogs I say live with it. The cheering and hollering during a fireworks display makes people happy and that is what people want. Get the dog a valium if they can’t take 20 minutes of noise. Think of all those poor dogs in Washington, DC during their show that is mostly veterans or the New York show where millions of them live and bark. Read the Declaration of Independence. I did read the beginning at the start of our show and it seems so appropriate today.