Editor, I saw an item in Friday’s paper informing me about the fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Cottrell Field on Fort Stewart. Having been raised here, I already knew that, but was surprised to see they were shooting off their fireworks at 9:30 p.m., instead of closer to July 5, if you catch my drift. As I reflected on years gone by, my blood began to boil.
You see, as a native Liberty Countian, I can remember Hinesville shooting off its own fireworks. We had no need to go to Fort Stewart and be bothered by getting there early to get a pass to get on post. There was no fear of getting busted for not having everything they require you to have in order to enter.
Life was simple back in the day. We’d go behind the National Guard Armory, blast off our fireworks, enjoy fellowship and have our party all night long.
With our Southern borders open, what’s the big deal? Not even President Barack Obama cares. I have a great idea — let’s have our own fireworks display in Hinesville, which is one of the fastest-growing cities in Southeast Georgia. Not only that, we had two signers of the Declaration of Independence who really lived here. Boy, I bet they’d be proud of Hinesville not even recognizing their hard work and bravery.
I know lots of people, and when I talked with my old friends and asked them where they go for July 4, they say Glennville, Ludowici, Savannah, Screven County, the coast or they are just doing their own thing. I bet if you ask your city councilmen or county commissioners, half of them went somewhere else. Same goes for the folks at the chamber of commerce of the Liberty County Development Authority.
All these folks want is more SPLOST money for longer runways at — guess where? —Fort Stewart. How many folks do you know who own a plane?
The point I’m trying to make is that we have plenty of places here to have fireworks displays, and people wouldn’t have to leave town. I can name a few, but I think it would be amusing to challenge our city or county officials to come up with their own lists. I’m interested to see what they are thinking and to know what kinds of excuses they can come up with to avoid having fireworks here next year.
If I offended anyone, I apologize. That wasn’t my intention, but if you need to blast one off at me, go ahead. I can take it, and I do have a sense of humor.
Hope to see you next year in Hinesville for our fireworks display. Bring your Frisbee or whatever will amuse you. I’ll be there. Let’s give our troops the day off.

— Doug Williams
Hinesville