Vets with PTSI / PTSD Should Act Quickly to Reserve Fireworks-Free Fourth of July Camping Spot

The Menominee River State Recreation Area is among state parks offering fireworks-free Fourth of July celebrations July 3-5. (Photo by JennyLyn Carley Popelka via Michigan.org)

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The Fourth of July holiday is still a month and a half away, but it’s not too early for the Michigan’s 660,000 to reserve spots at one of several state parks honoring veterans with fireworks-free Independence Day celebrations.

Parks selected for the July 3-5 Fireworks-Free Fourth of July Celebrations are secluded and far away from urban urban areas that offer loud displays and boisterous celebrations, and offer ideal camping opportunities for those who prefer a quieter celebration.

Veterans, especially those with a post-traumatic stress injury, have complained in the past that July 4 fireworks, make them feel like they’re in a war zone.

One in five veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress injury, according to a news release from Michigan’s Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Natural Resources, which are teaming to present the fireworks-free celebrations.

Sometimes known as post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSI is a condition that can occur after a person has been through a traumatic event. Even when removed from the stressful situation, similar sounds or experiences can trigger intense feelings of fear, stress, anger or sadness.

Nationally, about 12 percent of all U.S. veterans have been diagnosed with PTSI / PTSD.

• SEE ALSO: ‘For PTSD Survivors, It’s a Nightmare’: Thousands Burning to Repeal Fireworks Law

The idea for the fireworks-free celebrations came from a local veteran, who said the fireworks and other loud revelry could bring up distressing memories of military experiences among veterans, according to the release.

“PTSI is a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances and it can affect anyone, and an event like the Fireworks-Free Fourth is a great alternative when celebrating our nation’s freedom,” said MVAA Director Jeff Barnes.

The following parks this year are celebrating without loud fireworks:

• Bewabic State Park (Iron County)
• Brighton Recreation Area-Bishop Lake Campground (Livingston County)
• Cheboygan State Park (Cheboygan County)
• Craig Lake State Park (Baraga County)
• Hayes State Park (Lenawee County)
• Lake Hudson State Park (Lenawee County)
• Leelanau State Park (Leelanau County)
• Menominee River State Recreation Area (Dickinson County)
• Orchard Beach State Park (Manistee County)
• Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County)
• Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County)
• Wells State Park (Menominee County)

For camping reservations at these and other parks, visit MIdnrreservations.com. All regular camping fees, including a Recreation Passport, available for $11. Veterans with a 100-percent disabled veteran license plate are exempt from the Recreation Passport requirement.

The state says it can’t guarantee that no fireworks will be set off in the vicinity of state parks, but they’re far enough away from urban areas, or that fountain fireworks, sparklers and ground spinners will not be setoff in the campgrounds. The DNR is encouraging campers to refrain from setting off fireworks in participating Fireworks-Free Fourth state parks during this special weekend in honor of veterans.