Category: “Aw shucks

WASHINGTON — As the nation gears up for its annual fiery tribute to independence, the Department of Defense is urging a moment of somber reflection for a unique demographic of American heroes: those who, through a confluence of patriotism and questionable judgment, sacrificed their limbs during last year’s Fourth of July celebrations.

A new public service announcement, “Sparklers Are Not Sabers,” aims to remind citizens that the battlefield isn’t the only place where brave Americans can suffer life-altering injuries.

“We honor our combat veterans, and rightly so,” stated Brig. Gen. Alric “Ric” L. Francis, the Commandant of the United States Army Field Artillery School. “But let’s not forget the sheer, unadulterated dedication it takes to attempt to launch a fully loaded porta-potty with a string of M-80s into low earth orbit. That’s a different kind of bravery, or perhaps a different kind of brain damage.”

The general paused to take a sip of what appeared to be black coffee, though the steam rising from the mug suggested something closer to molten lead.

“The dedication to pushing the envelope while seeing how big a bang you can get from a consumer-grade explosive is inspiring, but it results in many calls for medevacs to the local urgent care clinics.”

The campaign aims to show the increasing pattern among combat veterans who survive numerous deployments abroad yet find their most significant challenge at home, at the backyard firework show. Emergency rooms across the country are reportedly activating “Red, White, and Booze” protocols with specialized surgical teams on standby, ready to reattach, or more often, regretfully inform.

“It’s about personal safety, people. Don’t end up like Toby Keith’s dumb ass dad,” implored Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer. “Don’t be the guy who gets liquored up and decides to launch a bottle rocket from your fourth point of contact just because you saw it on TikTok.”

Last year’s Fourth of July convention for operators was full of humorous events. In South Fork, Colorado, retired Sgt. Maj. Mike Vining, renowned for his demolition expertise, reportedly attempted to use a cluster of aerial mortars to ‘remodel’ an aging shed he considered an eyesore. The shed vanished in a flash of patriotic glory. He was later quoted as saying, “It was a controlled demolition.”

Meanwhile, at Fort Campbell, a group of combat arms soldiers, apparently feeling left out of the celebratory chaos, reportedly conducted a drive-by shooting with bottle rockets at Lt. Col. Matthew Schwind’s retirement ceremony. This occurred precisely as Schwind was exaggerating to the audience with tales of the perils of being shot at during his storied career as a logistics officer. No injuries were reported, but the incident did lead to a new general order regarding ‘unauthorized pyrotechnic salutes during officer farewells.’

Hospitals this year are reportedly stocking up not just on medical supplies, but also on comfort items such as “participation trophies” for veterans who demonstrate exceptional creativity in their self-inflicted injuries.

“We just want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday,” concluded Brig. Gen. Francis, adjusting his perfectly knotted tie. “Some of these are truly legendary stories, like a guy trying to light a firework with a lit cigarette dangling from his lip while holding a beer in his other hand.”

As the country prepares to celebrate another year of freedom, the Department of Defense reminds all Americans to exercise caution, employ common sense, and perhaps, for those with a history of military service, consider leaving the pyrotechnics to the professionals. Your local Veterans Affairs office would prefer to see you on July 5th for your routine check-up, rather than for a new set of prosthetic fingers.