VSO: Fireworks can be unsettling for veterans

While the "rocket's red glare" has long been associated with America's fight for independence, the Hancock County Veterans Service Office is asking Fourth of July revelers to be aware that for combat veterans, fireworks can be very distressing. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, the veterans service office, 1100 E. Main Cross St., has been distributing signs that combat veterans can place in their yards. Those who plan to celebrate the holiday with fireworks are asked to look for the signs and be mindful of them, said Nichole Coleman, executive director. A new Ohio law, signed last year, allows for the private use of fireworks on certain days of the year and took effect Friday. Ohioans are now permitted to legally discharge fireworks on July 3-5, from 4-11 p.m. The law also allows the legal discharge of fireworks on New Year's Day, New Year's Eve (through 1 a.m.), the Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day weekend, Juneteenth, Labor Day weekend and Diwali. The law affects consumer-grade fireworks. Display-grade fireworks are still illegal to own and use without a license. Beginning Sunday, the Ohio Fire Code will list new restrictions on the use and storage of fireworks. The new rules prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from discharging fireworks. Aerial discharge of fireworks or the use of fireworks in crowded locations is illegal. Findlay Fire Chief Josh Eberle said the city will abide by Ohio's new fireworks laws. Grant: 419-427-8412