Daily Herald editorial

With the Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday this week, some area residents are making a week of the celebrations — or at least a really long weekend or two. That’s great, but hopefully residents will remember to play it safe amidst all the revelry.

We all know that fireworks — legal and illegal will be set off this week, and we all know that alcohol will be flowing. We hope people will be careful not to let those two things mix, for their own sakes and for others’. Even when sober, people need to be careful that they are setting off fireworks in a safe way, with plenty of light and distance to work with.

Treating fireworks with the appropriate amount of respect is key to a safe, enjoyable Fourth, and so is sober driving. Let’s keep the mood celebratory this year and not sully it with injuries or deaths caused by drivers who have had too much to drink.

Finally, let’s remember to reflect on what makes this country great on the Fourth. Those fireworks might be a impressive sight in the night sky, but the freedoms they commemorate are even better.