Dear Editor:

This is in response to Lisa Delgado's letter ("In Defense of Illegal Fireworks"). I am in total agreement with her.

After 9/11, and a few months later when the Gulf wars began, there were complaints from the communities around Seal Beach. Too much noise from trucks, helicopters, all around the Seal Beach Weapons Station.

All that noise was the sound of freedom! We were at war.

That was the sound of the transportation of munitions were being taken from their bunkers to the front lines where our troops needed them.

Every Fourth of July brings forth the same complaints. Do you not see that after 200 years of freedom, we must celebrate?

Pet owners know this happens every year. Get your pet medication to sedate them, lock them up in your home, or put them at the kennel for the night. 

Being a fellow veteran, I understand the shock, nervousness and fear that unexpected explosions cause. Remember, we were trained to accept any situation put to us and taught how to deal with it.

Next 4th of July remember these words as written by Francis Scott Key on  September 13, 1814:
"And  the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there." 

The next morning, July the 5th, give thanks that you have awakened that morning and every morning after that, in a free country.

Vince Diaz
Downey