To the Editor:
An open letter to our city:
The New York Times recently published an article regarding the popularity of "Quiet Fireworks" in Europe.These are beautiful displays without the loud booms of traditional fireworks.
There are many reasons these would be great for Alexandria's birthday celebration.
The traditional fireworks on the National Mall are just one week previous. Let's not compete.
Alexandria claims to be the most dog friendly city in America. Let's prove it. Dogs hate the noise. They are afraid, they run away, owners won't leave them at home alone. They suffer, owners suffer.
As a city with many soldiers and individuals exposed to combat and our location near the Pentagon, it would be appropriate to avoid triggers to post traumatic stress.
Less disruption to wildlife along the Potomac River.
Less chance of damaging children's delicate eardrums for those in attendance.
I think it would be a confirmation of Alexandria's coolness to be different and so considerate to others.
While one of the drawbacks to the quieter fireworks is the lower presentation of them, I think it would just draw more people and tourists down to the water to see something different. We will not lose tourist dollars, I believe we will potentially gain them as they are reported to be more colorful and different.
In conclusion, let's be considerate to our veterans, be kind to the dogs that are one of our claims to fame and be the hippest town around.
Liz Davis
Alexandria