For many Americans, “Bombs bursting in air” isn’t just part of an inspirational lyric: It’s an occupational hazard.
That’s the reason behind one of the dozens of local fireworks stands that will open for business today at noon. Some are commercial operations; others are run by nonprofit groups, including an effort to help wounded soldiers.
The stand at 2711 N.E. Andresen Road has become an annual fundraising project for family and friends of Sgt. John Kyle Daggett, who died on May 15, 2008, from wounds he received in Iraq.
Colleen Czaplicki, Daggett’s mother, said nine friends and family members traveled from Arizona to be part of the set-up work Monday. Seven more were planning to arrive to help staff the stand.
In its first two years, the operation in the parking lot of Living Hope Church (formerly a Kmart location) has raised about $30,000 for several military-related causes.
Washougal resident Tracy Phillips, who is Daggett’s uncle, said about $20,000 has gone to the “Homes for Our Troops” project. The money has helped build accessible homes for two severely injured Oregon soldiers.
Hands-on help
Phillips said he’s provided hands-on help as well. He did framing work on both houses and helped landscape one of the Oregon properties on Saturday.
Since Daggett was an Arizona resident, “We’d like to see Washington and Arizona start projects” for wounded servicemen, Phillips said.
The fireworks stand also has raised $6,200 for the Wounded Warrior Project and $3,800 for A Hero Was Here, a foundation established in Daggett’s name.
Use varies around county
The operation also has helped support Vancouver’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show — something his nephew enjoyed, Phillips said. Although Daggett’s family lived in Arizona, they occasionally would visit Phillips’ family in Clark County.
“Kyle liked to see the fireworks,” Phillips said.
While the state allows fireworks sales to begin today at noon, that doesn’t mean everybody can immediately light their fuses. Cities can establish their own guidelines for fireworks use, and local laws vary.
People can set off their fireworks at noon today in Camas, Battle Ground, Ridgefield and Yacolt, as well as in unincorporated Clark County.
In La Center, the fireworks season starts at 10 a.m. Wednesday. In Vancouver, it starts at 9 a.m. Friday. And Washougal has the most restrictive guidelines of all — only on the Fourth of July, starting at 9 a.m.
