Fireworks during the 4th of July may be triggering for combat veterans Fireworks are used every year as a form of celebrating the fourth of July but the loud sounds especially into the night can trigger a mental illness for some. Author: Monica Coleman (ABC10) Updated: 5:06 PM PDT July 3, 2021 Most Americans look at the Fourth of July as a time to celebrate. And many people choose to celebrate the holiday by popping off fireworks. But for veterans, the loud booms of firecrackers can be triggering. Rodger Meier is a Veteran and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He said that fireworks, especially illegal ones that explode into the air, can be harmful to combat veterans.