To the editor:

As I was driving around Lawrence on July 3 and 4, I saw explosions of outrageous aerial fireworks filling the night sky. They were so beautiful that they could have been displayed by a professional for public viewing. Realizing that I was so engrossed searching the sky for the next burst of vibrant colors that I missed seeing the individuals responsible for their display, I turned around and drove back through the neighborhood. I saw children, young adults and older folks gathered together laughing, and having fun. Families and friends were gathered joyously celebrating our independence.

The next day I drove back through the neighborhood and this time the ground was littered with spent fireworks. It is a shame that some of the people were not timely about picking up the trash. Unfortunately, some do not pick up their trash at all. It reminded me of the liquor bottles, cans and soft drink containers that I have to pick up every time I mow my yard.

Our city commissioners are proposing that fireworks be restricted or possibly eliminated all together because of the trash left on the ground afterwards. I believe that there is a multitude of other issues far more important that need our attention. The littering of liquor bottles, cans and soft drink containers is a problem 365 days a year. Fireworks, however, are only an issue three days out of the year. Let us put the issue into perspective. I am confident that the positive far outweighs the negative.

Let us hope that our city commissioners realize that there are many issues much more important than eliminating this three-day family fun. Let us preserve this rich American heritage.

Jim Pine,

Lawrence