The Fourth of July is one of the most important holidays in the history of this country, if not the most important. It marks the day that our founding fathers declared independence from Great Britain. The United States as we know it could have never existed had it not been for this important day.

Let's be honest though, we all know why we're really excited for the Fourth: spending time with family, cookouts, but even better, the Fourth of July sales. The holiday gives us an excuse to relax, while celebrating the founding of our country. However, there's another reason why we're beyond excited about the Fourth: fireworks. No Independence Day celebration is complete without a fireworks show right?

Wrong.

While fireworks are a lot of fun for some people, it can be debilitating to others. Combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are among those whose lives are drastically impacted by holiday fireworks.

PTSD is a mental affliction that torments those who have been in traumatic situations, combat veterans among those sufferers. It's no surprise that roughly 11 to 20 percent of veterans that serve develop PTSD within a given year, according the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

While PTSD is one of the most misunderstood disorders, it can be easily summed up as fear. Fear of the past. Fear of the traumatic events. Fear of the flashbacks and night terrors of the trauma they've endured. Unfortunately, these episodes can lead to severe self-harm, as well as a danger to others.

Chances are, you know someone who is a veteran. This person gave up years of their life so that we can experience the freedoms we possess as Americans. Now, imagine this person sitting in their home, enjoying a nice, relaxing night of their Fourth of July holiday.

But then, the unexpected pop of fireworks comes. The sound is nearly identical to gunshots, sending the veteran plummeting into their depends memories of combat. Because of that one burst, their brain tricks them into believing they are in active duty again. The veteran relives his or her traumatic events experienced in combat. They relive the immeasurable pain and suffering that comes with war.

All of this simply because we believe that fireworks are the definition of Fourth of July fun.

I know this July 4th has already passed, but Indiana has recently allowed fireworks to be let off all times of the year, as long as it is before 11 P.M. During these days, please be courteous of veterans in your area. Even though the load noises may not phase you, your family, or even some veterans, it can be debilitating for those suffering from PTSD.

The best form of patriotism is respect for our country's veterans.