To the editor:

To the city leaders that believe a ban on fireworks is in the best interest of the city of Lawrence:

This past year has been one of the more trying years in the United States’ 226-year history. Sept. 11, 2001, brought new meaning to the word patriotism, with Americans across the country coming together to lend support during these difficult times. The level of pride toward one’s country has sharply risen in the hearts of most Americans, and July 4th is the perfect time to let that abundance of patriotism shine.

The celebrations of July 4th are many and varied, but the most popular way of celebrating is the fireworks. Friends and families gather in their front yards just after the sun goes down and light off their collections of pyrotechnics. This is how Americans showing pride in their nation celebrate but not in Lawrence. The powers-that-be have put a ban on fireworks and the basic foundation of our celebration of our patriotism as a nation.

I say we pay more attention to our vote in April and make sure we get elected officials who are “true Americans” and want to celebrate as Americans should.

Tina Garside,

Lawrence