Most holidays have a trademark. Easter has the rabbit, Christmas has Santa Claus, and the Fourth of July has fireworks.
Most people end their Fourth of July celebrations watching a fireworks show or setting off their own.
The holidays should be a happy time. Unfortunately, some people begin to think they are capable of handling explosive objects. Even more unfortunate is that some people use the fireworks to purposely hurt others.
While watching fireworks is usually a safe experience, people are not always so lucky to escape without injuries when they try to set off their own fireworks.
The Center for Disease Control said there were 8,800 fireworks-related injuries in 2002. Sparklers, firecrackers and rockets caused 59 percent of the injuries.
Not all injuries caused by the pyrotechnics are accidental, either.
The Kansas City Star reported Wednesday that six puppies had been killed when someone put firecrackers in their mouths.
These are just a few examples of the horrible accidents that can occur if fireworks fall in the wrong hands. While entertaining, it is important to remember that fireworks are still explosives.
As people celebrate on Sunday, they should remember to let the professionals handle the explosives.
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