The explosive pops and brilliant flashes that define Fourth of July celebrations across America bring joy to millions—but for nearly 19 million veterans, these same sensations can trigger profound anxiety related to combat experiences. Our powerful conversation with veteran DJ Mikey D reveals how the seemingly innocent celebration of independence can transport former service members back to dangerous moments of mortar attacks, firefights, and IEDs experienced during tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Beyond identifying this widespread but often-overlooked issue, we explore the remarkable evolution happening in communities nationwide. From designated quiet zones during fireworks displays to thoughtful pre-event conversations between hosts and veteran guests, Americans are finding creative ways to honor independence while respecting those who defended it. Veteran DJ Mikey D shares his personal strategy of finding isolated spaces to minimize exposure to triggering sounds, while other veterans report success with relaxation techniques and careful selection of celebration venues.
What emerges from this discussion is a deeper, more meaningful vision of patriotism—one that goes beyond spectacular displays to ensure everyone, especially those who fought for our freedom, can participate comfortably in national celebrations. Simple substitutions like sparklers instead of loud explosives and daytime gatherings show how small adjustments can make dramatic differences in veterans' experiences. As communities continue adapting their traditions, we're witnessing the growth of a more inclusive, compassionate expression of national pride that honors both our country and those who served it. Join our conversation at GreatDayRadio.com and share your thoughts on how we can celebrate independence while supporting our veterans.
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Episode Transcript
Welcome Great Day Radio fans.
This special podcast is aboutyou guessed it Independence Day.
The Fourth of July seems likepure celebration to most
Americans, but for nearly 19million veterans, those festive
fireworks can trigger seriouscombat-related anxiety.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
That's fascinating and honestly concerning how are
communities adapting theircelebrations to be more
inclusive.
Dj Mikey D, you mentioned yourdiscontent about the constant
sounds of fireworks.
Bothers you.
Why is that?
Speaker 1 (00:31):
It's because of my multiple tours over in
Afghanistan and Iraq.
I will spare you the gore ofwar.
However, in my earlier war dayswe were constantly bombarded
with mortar attacks.
Days we were constantlybombarded with mortar attacks,
firefights, while on convoys andIEDs, just to name a few.
(00:54):
Okay, back to the discussion oncommunities adapting.
We are seeing this remarkableshift where party hosts are
actually reaching out to veteranguests beforehand to understand
their specific needs.
Some communities have evencreated designated quiet zones
during fireworks displays.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
You know what really strikes me about this it's
changing how we think aboutpatriotic celebrations entirely.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Exactly right.
And here's what's interesting.
Veterans are finding successwith specific coping strategies,
like practicing relaxationtechniques before events or
choosing locations where theycan easily step away if needed.
In my case, I will go somewherein a very quiet and isolated
room to lessen the effect of thebooming sounds.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
So it's really about creating options and opening up
conversations.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Right, and what's really encouraging is how simple
changes make a huge difference,like using sparklers instead of
loud fireworks or hostingdaytime events.
Some veterans report that justknowing their hosts understand
their concerns reduces anxietysignificantly.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
Hmm, it seems like this awareness is creating a
more meaningful way to honorindependence.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
And that's exactly what makes this evolution so
powerful.
We're learning that truepatriotism isn't just about the
spectacular shows, but aboutensuring everyone, especially
those who fought for our freedom, can celebrate comfortably.
Okay, that's all for now forthis Veteran Talk podcast.
If you have something to add orwould like to comment about any
(02:28):
of our discussions, pleasevisit GreatDayRadiocom and click
on let's Talk.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Also make sure you sign up for our upcoming contest
giveaway.
When you sign up, you willreceive our newsletter updating
you when to participate.
Thank you for tuning in toGreatDayRadiocom.
Happy 4th of July.
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