Letter: ‘Now is the time to speak up, freedom is worth celebrating’

Felida resident urges Clark County to preserve fireworks traditions for America's 250th Independence Day celebration. — Felida resident urges Clark County to preserve fireworks traditions for America’s 250th Independence Day celebration. Photo courtesy Michael Jelineo

🎧 Felida Resident Fights Clark County Fireworks Restrictions

Felida resident Michael Jelineo says we need to save the use of fireworks on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve in Clark County

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

Did you enjoy fireworks when you were growing up? Did your family gather every Fourth of July to celebrate with sparklers, fountains, and aerial fireworks lighting up the summer sky? For many of us, fireworks are more than noise and color — they are part of the tradition of celebrating freedom, family, and the birth of our nation.

This year marks 250 years of American independence, a milestone that should be celebrated proudly. Yet Clark County Councilors Sue Marshall, Glen Yung, and Wil Fuentes are considering restrictions that could impact fireworks not only in the county, but also in smaller communities like Ridgefield, Battle Ground, La Center, Kalama, and others.

If the cities themselves cannot allow fireworks, should county residents also lose the ability to celebrate responsibly on their own property? Is it really too much to ask to honor America’s 250th birthday with the traditions many families have enjoyed for generations?

We need to save the use of fireworks on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve in Clark County. These celebrations are part of our heritage, our freedom, and our community traditions. Once these rights are taken away, they are rarely returned.

Fireworks are part of Independence Day. They represent celebration, patriotism, and the freedom that generations fought to preserve. Instead of more restrictions, we should be encouraging safe and responsible celebrations while preserving the spirit of the Fourth of July.

Tomorrow, April 29 at 1 p.m., during Clark County Council Time, this issue will be discussed. Council meetings are held in a hybrid format. Residents can attend in person on the 6th floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA 98666, or participate virtually.

If you would like to submit a public comment or join online, visit:https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings

Now is the time to speak up. Freedom is worth celebrating.

Michael Jelineo
Felida