DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – Signs with a special message are popping up in front yards all across the Metroplex.
They read: “Combat veteran lives here, please be courtesy with fireworks.”
A nonprofit group is the organization behind the free red, white and blue notices. “The signs are not meant to stop people from shooting off fireworks,” said Shawn Gourley, the co-founder of Military with PTSD. “Veterans served to protect that freedom. The signs are just asking people to be mindful in the days leading up to and after the 4th of July holiday. Veterans expect fireworks on the 4th, and they take steps to prepare for them. It’s the unexpected fireworks that can take veterans back to traumatic experiences they lived through during their service.”
About 7,800 signs have been given away since the program began two years ago. “In 2014, one of our members made this sign and shared a picture of him standing behind it on Facebook. It went viral. We obtained permission from him to mass produce these signs and give them out. Last year, was technically our first year of giving these away to veterans for free.”
The signs are made here in the Lone Star State. Dirt Cheap Signs in Lago Vista, just outside of Austin, has been giving the signs to the organization at a significantly reduced cost.
Any veteran wanting a free sign can click here to be added to the waiting list.
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