From Fireworks to Community Service

While I was growing up, the celebration of the country's Independence Day held significant importance within our household. It was an occasion where we always came together to pay tribute to the founding and liberation of our country - a nod towards those who made it plausible.

We devoted extended periods strategizing for these festivities. Funnily enough, meal plans were certainly not excluded.

Although I so much loved the motive behind the celebration, I wasn't really a fan of the whole approach towards the celebration, especially the fireworks area- I have never really been a fan of fireworks.

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As years went by( with the celebration still a constant in my family), I began to understand how detrimental igniting fireworks could be on nature and animals alike.

My acquisition of knowledge revealed that pollutants and toxic chemicals are produced as a result of fireworks, thereby compromising the quality of air and water.

Additionally, these celebratory explosives caused discomfort to not just the animals, but also people who lived around our vicinity (we were the only ones who made use of fireworks to celebrate the independence in my area)

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Due to the loud noises and dazzling lights. Subsequent reflection on this fact, made me have guilty feelings stemming from my implication in a customary activity that could harm our planet's well-being, and also steal the peace of people in the community.

Notwithstanding my reluctance, the custom or better still tradition, of integrating fireworks into this particular celebration persisted amongst my family members especially my two male siblings. I was faced with a dilemma: confront and voice out apprehensions or reluctantly accept the long-standing practice.

It was after I matriculated into university that I was finally able to summon the bravery to Express my worries clearly with respect to the fireworks. Upon initiating a conversation, I explained my concerns pertaining specifically to how those substances used to make fireworks have Detrimental consequences on animals, our neighbors, and the ecosystem at large.

It was unexpected when they were responsive to my apprehensions and approachable towards the idea of looking for substitute methods to commemorate Independence Day. Hours flew by while we exchanged on several approaches that could replace fireworks, leading us eventually settling with some options which would be most suitable for our household.

Among the various suggestions we pondered, was conducting a volunteer project aimed at enhancing the appearance of a nearby park. In addition, another proposal came up, which was preparing and assembling a potluck feast showcasing edibles that are both self-sufficiently sourced and nearby cultivated. We even moved into discussing how to give out gifts to people around on that celebration day, Instead of buying fireworks.

Throughout the years, we endeavored to give each of these proposals a fair shot and were rewarded with distinctive feelings of bliss and gratification for every one. Through experimentation, it became clear that commemorating our country's independence didn't always have to involve fireworks as there are other methods available which can help us unite better as a family, and as good patriots. As a matter of fact, by finding alternative ways through which we could celebrate this special occasion, we inadvertently strengthened our reverence towards the country's founding beliefs and values.

Looking back, I express gratitude for expressing my apprehensions and sharing them with my kinfolks. Deciding not to participate in this traditional celebration was difficult; however, a deep sense of relief swept over me when I realized that voicing out concerns is empowering in its way. Consequently, through collaborative effort within the family circle we found an alternative mode towards celebrating our country’s independence which proved more favorable and self-sufficient than what had been previously practiced.

Thanks For Reading.