Southeastern Wisconsin Veteran Suicide Prevention Task Force: Raising awareness of fireworks’ effects on veterans

MILWAUKEE — For many veterans, fireworks around the Fourth of July don’t symbolize freedom, celebration or excitement. They only bring fear, anxiety and agitation. The sudden, loud noises — which sound like gunfire or exploding bombs to veterans — can be debilitating for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. They get agitated and go into an alert state. Everything gets ratchete...