Nonprofit Encourages PTSD Awareness for 4th of July

by Anthony Ali | 07/01/2016 | 1:05pm

Fireworks Sign

The 4th of July is often celebrated with lots of fireworks. But they can also trigger PTSD for veterans.

The nonprofit organization Military with PTSD is offering free signs for veterans to put in front of their homes. The signs say combat veterans live here and remind neighbors to be courteous when shooting off their fireworks.

Shawn Gourley is the vice president of the organization, which she started with her husband. She says veterans don't want to ruin any celebrations. They just want a heads up.

"If you're going to be setting off fireworks and you see one of these signs, just let the veteran know," she said. "That way, they have time to prepare themselves."

Gourley says the organization shipped out 4,000 signs last year. This year, they plan on sending out as many as 10,000.

The free signs are pictured above. There are other varieties specific to each branch of military. The signs can be ordered here.

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