United States (MNN) — U.S. President Donald Trump aims to set a new Guinness World Record with his fireworks display at the National Mall on July 4.
Typical Fourth of July shows last about 20 minutes, but this year’s celebration will go twice as long. Civic displays throughout the U.S. may also stretch longer, honoring America’s 250th year of independence.
Marty Johnson of Warriors Set Free says, for some veterans, “If there’s an event like what we’re talking about, that is going to be twice the amount of sound and twice the amount of everything, that could very well trigger somebody right back.”
Not all veterans struggle, but fireworks usually pose a challenge to combat vets.
“It’s the reminder of combat itself: the lights, the noise. It would cause somebody to react as if they were in combat, whether that be anger, physical violence, withdrawing; they just are not in control,” Johnson says.
“I didn’t have combat [in my military service], but there are some aspects of our flag and our ceremonies, and sometimes Fourth of July, that trigger me in a way – it’s an unsettling feeling.”
Finding freedom
Warriors Set Free helps veterans and first responders heal from the trauma incurred in the line of duty. Learn more here.
As a veteran, Johnson can recommend the ministry firsthand. “For the better part of 38 years after I got out of the Marine Corps, I spiraled out of control,” he says.
Are you a military, veteran, or first responder struggling with your faith, identity, or feelings of loss? When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen.
(Photo, caption courtesy of Warriors Set Free)
Johnson gave his rage and trauma to Jesus during a freedom appointment with Warriors Set Free. “I laid it all at His feet, and He has blessed me with the restoration of relationships with my wife, my children,” he says.
“People don’t recognize the old Marty because that guy is gone. They see Christ in me.”
Today, Johnson helps other veterans find the same freedom in Christ that he has experienced.
“It’s beautiful to watch Christ work when I can sit across from a guy and tell him, ‘There’s nothing you can say that is going to surprise me, or make me have judgment on you, because I’ve either been there, done it, or I’ve heard it,’” Johnson says.
Connect with Warriors Set Free here if you or someone you love needs the healing only Christ can offer.
Most importantly, pray for vulnerable veterans. Pray for “a hedge of protection around the mind, knowing that they’re not there [in combat] in that moment, and just a sense of peace,” Johnson requests.
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Roven Images/Unsplash.
