By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Fourth of July holiday weekend saw a surge in shootings across the U.S., with Indianapolis experiencing at least two fatalities, prompting the police chief to express frustration over the lack of parental supervision. Other cities, including Philadelphia, Chicago, and Brockton, Mass., also reported mass shootings, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. This surge in violence, typical during summer months and especially around the holiday, included a fatal stabbing in Queens, New York and a death in Wareham, Massachusetts.
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July Fourth holiday marked by shootings and a fireworks-related death. This is a phrase that, unfortunately, seems to be becoming as commonplace as “the sun rises in the east” when we talk about the United States. It’s a sad truth, but the pattern is undeniable. We’ve come to expect a spike in violence, particularly involving firearms, coupled with the inevitable injuries and, sadly, fatalities associated with fireworks, every single year. It almost feels like another Saturday in the US of A, a phrase that says a lot about the state of things.
And have we ever had a July 4th without injuries or death? That’s the real question. It feels like it’s been a long time since we could say that. And the numbers don’t lie. There were significant incidents involving fireworks-related injuries and deaths. It’s become an unfortunate, yet predictable, part of the American experience. It’s a somber tradition, really, one that many Americans have come to accept.
The reality, as many have unfortunately experienced firsthand, is that fireworks, while festive, can be incredibly dangerous. It only takes a split second for things to go horribly wrong, resulting in severe burns, injuries, or worse. We’re talking about high-intensity explosions with dangerous projectiles; it’s not rocket science to see the potential for harm. Unfortunately, these incidents are not isolated occurrences.
“Violence is as American as cherry pie,” someone once said, and it’s hard to argue with that sentiment when we look at the news. Especially on the Fourth of July, historically one of the deadliest days of the year. This year was no different. We see the usual combination of gun violence and the inherent dangers of fireworks combining to mar what should be a day of celebration.
Then there are the various incidents across the country, from multiple shootings in Albany, New York, to other instances that simply didn’t make headlines. It’s not surprising, and yet it’s disheartening. It’s as though the backdrop of celebratory explosions provides cover for a surge in more sinister ones. The volume of fireworks masks the reality of gunfire. It’s a tragic irony.
It’s a time when people are out and about, the weather is hot, and tensions can run high, leading to volatile situations. Celebratory gunfire, too, unfortunately, is a factor, adding another layer of danger to the mix. And, sadly, the trend continues.
Even more concerning is the idea that this is somehow considered “normal.” That a July 4th without shootings and death is considered a dull affair. That’s not the America many of us want to recognize.
And let’s not forget the added dimension of natural disasters, like the severe flooding in Texas that brought tragedy, including multiple deaths. Events like these only compound the sense of unease and tragedy that seems to define this year’s holiday. There are other things to be concerned about, too, like the complacency of the politicians in Texas.
The stories that emerge from emergency rooms paint a grim picture, especially for those working in trauma centers. The Fourth of July is a day nobody wants to work, given the high likelihood of injuries and fatalities. Doctors and nurses work through the long holiday, and their weekends are forever impacted. They deal with the aftermath, the mangled bodies and burnt flesh, and the broken families left in the wake of the holiday.
It’s a pattern that repeats itself year after year, a depressing tradition. The sad reality is that this kind of event is so ingrained into the American experience that, in a way, it’s almost becoming a joke. It’s sad that it is.
The fact that many people are not surprised by this is perhaps the most telling statement of all. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges we face as a nation, of the divisions and the underlying issues that lead to such tragedies, and of the work that needs to be done to improve the safety and well-being of all Americans.