Fireworks displays are a poor way to celebrate

I was excited to see the headliner for the 46th annual Independence Day celebration at the Empire State Plaza in Albany (“Starship lands July 4th gig,” April 21). I was not excited to hear we’re going to continue a tradition that is out of date and time.

Fireworks are detrimental to people and animals alike. Some people have PTSD or anxiety, some have allergies, and we can all agree the air could be cleaner and less polluted with particulates that can end up in our airways.

Fireworks terrify bird populations, and they sometimes result in their deaths. They chase pets away from loving homes. And they are expensive and bad for the environment.

We need Albany to, please, stop using explosives as a celebration and help our veterans, pets, friends and environment.

Andrew Duncan

Albany