More Towns Replacing Fireworks With Drones For 4th of July Celebrations
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to proclaim independence for the 13 American colonies that had been under the rule of Britain’s King George III. Two days later, independence was officially declared. The 4th of July has since become a joyous federal holiday in the United States of America. The holiday has become synonymous with family gatherings, parades, and fireworks. This year, as the United States celebrated its 245th Independence Day, Americans were not only celebrating freedom from a foreign ruler but freedom from a global pandemic.
No, COVID-19 is not gone, but with 47.4% of the US population fully vaccinated, the country is returning to a sense of normalcy. To celebrate being free of quarantine and the fear of a highly contagious disease, many communities fully embraced the 4th of July holiday weekend. Across the country, there were parades, barbecues, and of course, fireworks. But many communities chose to embrace a more environmentally friendly after dark aerial light show with the help of drones.
Throughout the pandemic, drone technology time and time again has proved its value. Drones became vital in monitoring COVID-19 safety regulations, delivering PPEs, medications, vaccines, and keeping businesses operational. Another huge impact drones had this past year was honoring the perseverance of global communities with entertainment during what was an unbelievably difficult time. It seemed as if every month, there was another massive drone light show happening somewhere in the world.
These drone light shows were put on display to honor critical and emergency employees, congratulate presidential elections, celebrate holidays, promote products, or set world records. From the US to China, and Ireland, all of these drone shows had one thing in common, they delighted audiences like never before. Drone light shows can be choreographed to create compelling aerial stories, far more complex than the shows done with standard fireworks. But that is not the only benefit of a drone light show.
Drones are far safer than explosive fireworks, especially during the hot, dry summer months. Many parts of the world do not even allow firework shows because of the risks they pose to wildfires. Drones also do not cause any air pollution like that caused by the smoke of fireworks. Though drones make a buzzing sound, they do not make the startling boom associated with fireworks. Firework shows can trigger post-traumatic stress episodes for many veterans or victims of violence. Many pets are also terrified of the noises fireworks make, causing them to run away. An animal shelter in Columbus, Ohio reported taking in nearly 80 dogs on the 4th and 5th of July one year.
These reasons alone make drones an excellent replacement for firework shows. But one of the best reasons is the awe factor they bring. Drones celebrate how technology has progressed from the gunpowder and bamboo fireworks first used by the Chinese during the Song and Han dynasty to the skyrocket fireworks of the 20th century. They take the ingenuity of those who found ways to create aerial entertainment and apply a new level of science that can be appreciated by people of all ages around the world. Drone light shows are more than just a way to entertain. They have become symbolic of how the world is progressing and embracing technology.
|