Yes, warm temperatures, time off from school and the approach of the Fourth of July inevitably lead to neighborhood fireworks and the ongoing debate between those eager to celebrate and people who object to the noise and danger associated with amateur pyrotechnics.

In a particularly bitter election year, there’s something to be said for demonstrating love for the country in honor of Independence Day, an occasion that is supposed to transcend political divisions. But not at the cost of neighborhood peace.

The issue of noise complaints related to fireworks use isn’t new, but the situation has been much worse since Pennsylvania lawmakers in 2017 changed the law to allow the sale of more noisy, potent fireworks that can go airborne. The broad availability of these devices led to an explosion of grievances.

First responders noted an increase in fires and fire-related deaths due to the expanded use of these dangerous items. Though the law prohibits lighting fireworks near buildings, that rule is widely ignored. Especially at the height of the fireworks season around the Fourth of July, police are spread thin trying to respond to all the complaints from neighbors who consider extreme late-night noise nothing to celebrate.

Lawmakers were slow to react to these concerns. The fireworks law raises revenue via a tax on purchases of the legalized pyrotechnics, and politicians are reluctant to give up a source of funding that isn’t a broad-based tax.

Many legislators in the least populated parts of the state don’t seem to understand how big a problem this is in cities and suburbs, most of which don’t have any places where it’s safe to display amateur fireworks and where people live in close proximity to one another and can’t avoid the noise.

The years of complaints did finally lead to some action in the form of a law that gives municipalities more power to regulate the use of pyrotechnics and bars sale of fireworks from tents and roadside stands.

Municipalities may restrict use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except on July 2, 3, 4 and Dec. 31 when they may be used until 1 a.m. If July 4 falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, as is the case this year, fireworks may be used until 1 a.m. on the immediately preceding and following Friday and Saturday.

We doubt that’s making much of a difference. If people easily can get their hands on potent fireworks, they are likely to use them. Many don’t even know what the rules are. And these laws are exceedingly difficult to enforce when the items in question are so easy to acquire. Often by the time police respond to complaints, the perpetrators already have moved on. And on July Fourth it’s common for there to be more complaints than authorities can handle.

Under these conditions, It’s up to the people who choose to celebrate with fireworks to do so with safety and consideration for their neighbors in mind.

For many people this activity is more than just a nuisance. The noise generated by fireworks poses problems for families with young children, many older people and veterans dealing with anxiety, not to mention individuals who have to work the next morning. And this time of year can be a nightmare for households with dogs.

If you must shoot off fireworks, limit the activity to the first hour or so after nightfall, then switch to quieter activities.

And follow the rules to reduce the risk of causing injury or property damage. The law prohibits lighting fireworks within 150 feet of a structure or on public property without permission. Don’t allow children to use fireworks, and don’t light pyrotechnics while intoxicated.

Or better yet, leave the fireworks displays to the professionals.

If fireworks fans don’t want to see tougher regulations in the future, it’s in their interest to be on their best behavior now.

If communities continue to feel like war zones in the summer, we’re certain that police and fire chiefs, mayors and angry people all over the state will renew their demands for a tougher approach.

We’ll be behind them all the way. We only hope it doesn’t take a real tragedy for people to realize how serious this issue really is.

The Pottstown Rumble, established in 1991, is returning to the Pottstown area for its 33rd annual tournament. From June 21 to June 23, more than 6,000 players and more than 10,000 spectators will travel to multiple locations across Pottstown for the event.

“We’re very excited and proud to be hosting this event in Pottstown once again,” said Ken Kass, tournament director. “We sold out in under four minutes this year, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of players to Pottstown from all across the nation.”

The anticipated economic impact for the weekend is more than $2 million.

“We are lucky and proud to support such an amazing event that brings in amazing economic impact to Pottstown and the surrounding areas,” said Jon Scheuren, director of sports at Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.

Here is a breakdown of events by day.

FRIDAY

• Women’s Pro Division

• Men’s Triples

• Women’s Triples

• Master Doubles

• Junior Doubles

SATURDAY

• Women’s Pro Division Playoffs and Championship

• Men’s 2 on 2 Competition

• Women’s 2 on 2 Competition

SUNDAY

• Men’s Pro Playoffs and Championship

• Quad Doubles

• Coed Doubles

There is a $10 spectator fee for those observing the main field only. There are no fees associated with the other four satellite fields. Spectators can enjoy food and vendors, a center-court beer tent, and more.

About Pottstown Rumble

After more than 30 years, The Rumble has become one of the largest and certainly the toughest volleyball events in the country according to the organizers. Pottstown becomes the battleground for volleyball players testing their skills, their mettle and their toughness.

Rumble players abide by “Old School Rules”, meaning they play “side-out” scoring, no let-serves, and blocks do not count as hits. They also play on the original large court size.

Early on, Pottstown Rumble was billed as “A volleyball tournament run by the players, for the players.” This moniker is still true and might answer as to why so many players love The Rumble and respect the organizers.

Large cash prizes are available for first-place winners.

For more information about Pottstown Rumble, visit pottstownrumble.com or valleyforge.org/sports.

Following the procession of students, faculty and administrators, seniors Daniel Morrison Fenkel and Arielle Biran opened the program with welcoming remarks, followed by speeches from Principal Scott Weinstein and School Board President Dr. Kerry Sautner.

The student orators during the ceremony were John Henry Gallagher and Alessandra Simmons, who preceded the evening’s final speaker, Superintendent Dr. Steven Yanni. Diplomas were then awarded to students by Dr. Yanni and members of the Lower Merion Board of School Directors, before the program concluded with the tassel ceremony.

To view a slideshow of images from commencement, or watch a video playback of the ceremony, visit LMSD.org.

Following the procession of students, faculty and administrators, senior class officers Persephone Brooke-Lynn Johnson and Emmie Lou began the program with opening remarks, followed by classmate Danielle Gesser Sapir, who gave the Senior Class Oration.

Next, the senior class officers presented the Class Gift, which was a thousand-dollar donation to the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund (LMTSF) and ABC House, before remarks were provided by School Board President Dr. Kerry Sautner.

Student Council officers then took the podium to announce the winner of this year’s Fritz Brennan Award: math teacher Tim Presser, who graciously accepted and shared a few words with the audience.

On hand for the presentation of this year’s Sean Hughes “Character Counts” Award — established in memory of the longtime LMHS principal who was killed in a car crash in November 2021 — was alumnus and inaugural recipient Leo Solga, who presented a plaque to this year’s winner, senior Emily Zhang.

Remarks were then offered by Student Government President Danielle Essan, Principal Dr. Michael Johnson and Superintendent Dr. Steven M. Yanni. The program concluded with the awarding of diplomas and the tassel ceremony.

To view a slideshow from commencement, or  watch a video playback of the ceremony, visit LMSD.org.

NEWTOWN SQUARE — The Episcopal Academy graduated 134 seniors at its 239th Commencement exercises on Thursday, June 6.

The ceremony took place in the Class of 1944 Chapel on the Newtown Square campus.

Students were recognized for their accomplishments and congratulated by Dr. T.J. Locke, Head of School; Fr. Tim Gavin, Head Chaplain; Mr. Mike Letts, Head of Upper School; and Ms. Tanuja Murray, Dean of Students.

This year’s student speakers were valedictorian Colin Schlitt and salutatorian Brendan Schlitt.

“While we are all different authors, our stories will share the moments that make Episcopal the extraordinary place that it is.” shared Brendan Schlitt. “The grit and passion we leave on the court, field, mat, track, river, or in the pool. These are the moments that define the Episcopal experience.”

“The most important aspect of our education does not come from the text of our books but from the words of wisdom bestowed by our teachers,” reflected Colin Schlitt. “Episcopal has taught us how to be respectful and wholeheartedly unselfish.”

Founded in 1785, The Episcopal Academy is a PreK-12, coeducational, independent, day school that offers excellent academics, competitive athletics, diverse arts, strong community outreach, and superb facilities. The school offers a college-preparatory curriculum that blends time-honored approaches to education with new ways of learning that are aimed at preparing boys and girls for the world of tomorrow. The school’s mission is to challenge and nurture Mind, Body, and Spirit, and to inspire boys and girls to lead lives of purpose, faith, and integrity.

For more information on The Episcopal Academy and their Class of 2024 graduates, visit www.episcopalacademy.org

Four Diamonds has selected Litali Zou, a sophomore at Conestoga High School, as a member of the 2024-2025 Mini-THON Ambassador program.

Previously known as “Mini-THON Student Leadership Council,” Mini-THON Ambassadors will be the voice of the Mini-THON in their schools and communities.

They will take their passion for conquering childhood cancer and Mini-THON experience to assist Mini-THON schools through networking events and online platforms.

Working with the Four Diamonds Mini-THON Liaisons, Ambassadors will provide input to hone the program for adaptability and success.

Litali Zou will serve as an advocate and leader for Four Diamonds, Mini-THON and more than 90,000 students who are on a mission to conquer childhood cancer.

During the 2023-2024 school year, over 210 schools participated in a Four Diamonds Mini-THON event to help bring hope to Four Diamonds families.

Mini-THON programs are modeled after the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, or THON, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy.

Since 1993, Mini-THON has raised more than $64 million For The Kids®. The funds are used to drive the discovery of new and improved treatments for childhood cancer by supporting the work of more than 90 researchers at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine.

Four Diamonds also supports families by covering all medical expenses not paid for by insurance for every eligible child.

Zou states, “to me, Mini-THON is a way to connect with my community and help those in need. Seeing my school come together to celebrate something so important inspired me to continue my commitment to Mini-THON. In addition, Mini-THON’s motto, ‘For the Kids,’ spoke to me on a deep level as I was reminded that these kids are suffering and not able to experience the true freedom of childhood. Inspired by their braveness, I decided that Mini-THON was an organization I wanted to commit my time and leadership to.”

Conestoga High School exceeded the goal of $25,000 ($25,233.16) and had over 300 participants from the student body at the event on March 15th, the highest number of students to attend to date.

With almost 6,000 known burials, Historic Montgomery Cemetery holds the remains of some of the most prominent citizens, veterans, and reformers in the county and nation. From five Civil War generals to many captains of industry, it tells the story of the nation through the lives it represents.

The entrance to Montgomery Cemetery is at the end of Hartranft Avenue, off West Main Street, Norristown.

This event is weather dependent. Check hsmcpa.org for cancellations. Parking during the event will be made available inside the Cemetery gates.

Cost for this event is $10. To purchase tickets and/or RSVP call 610-272-0297 or email: contact@hsmcpa.org.

Maurice Anthony Byrd Jr., 41, of Applewood Court, Horsham, was charged with killing 37-year-old Stephen Strassburg of 226 N. York Road, Hatboro.

Authorities said that just before 6 p.m., Saturday, Hatboro police responded to Razor Reese’s Salon and Spa on North York Road. They arrived to find Strassburg in the business’s parking lot suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Abington Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A joint investigation into the homicide by Montgomery County Detectives and Hatboro Police found that there was an ongoing dispute between the defendant and the victim, who lived above Razor Reese’s, which is owned by Byrd.

Byrd had called 911 at 5:45 p.m. to say that he was being verbally assaulted by Strassburg who was calling Byrd by a racial slur. While he was on the phone, the 911 dispatcher heard five gunshots, then a pause, followed by two additional gunshots, police said.

Seven 9mm fired cartridge casings were recovered at the scene, according to police. Police also recovered a 9mm Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun, which was registered to Byrd. Byrd has a valid permit to carry a firearm. Strassburg did not have a weapon at the time of the shooting, authorities said.

Byrd is charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder and possessing an instrument of crime. He is awaiting arraignment at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility; at which time a preliminary hearing date will be scheduled. There is no bail available for first-degree murder charges.

An awards ceremony was held last month in Hill’s Center For The Arts.

The following organizations received grants from the council: The Arts Bubble; Shady Hollow Assisted Riding; Second Wind Bicycles; the Pottstown Historical Society; Pottstown GoFourth!; Hearts of Humanity Community Development Corporation; Good Samaritan Services; The Ricketts Center of Boyertown Area Multi-Service; Be ReZilient; Animal House Project and Trellis for Tomorrow.

The council was created in 2008 through a gift to The Hill by the late Charles Frank III, Class of ’59, and his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Frank. The Franks’ goal was to encourage students to learn about the value and processes of philanthropy; develop life-long habits of volunteerism and “giving back;” and provide funds to nonprofits that enhance the lives of Pottstown-area residents.

The 12 Student Philanthropy Council members are elected after an application process that looks for students’ genuine interest in altruistic endeavors and in serving the community where Hill makes its home.

This year a record number of applicants — 30 — requested a total of $147,789.

“Ultimately, we made our selection with several factors in mind. We hoped to fund some relatively new programs that had never applied to the SPC before,” said Sophie Walsh, student philanthropy council co-president and a sixth form/senior from Pittsburgh. “We wanted to support a range of causes, from food insecurity and education to historic preservation and mental and physical wellness. Also, we aimed to leave an impact on a variety of demographics, from young children to senior citizens.”

“If we could, we would have funded each applicant. Needless to say, this process fulfills the founders’ goal of educating us, as students, about the heart-wrenching but ultimately rewarding experience encountered by philanthropists,” said Atticus Short, co-president of the council and a sixth form/senior from Chicago.

The Allied forces were able to gain a toehold in France that ultimately enabled them to liberate that country and march toward Germany. Doing so required the greatest armada ever assembled — nearly 7,000 ships and boats, supported by more than 11,000 planes — carrying almost 133,000 troops across the English Channel to establish toeholds on five beaches stretching across 50 miles of the Normandy coast on June 6, 1944. The beaches were defended by around 50,000 German troops.

The operation included actions inland, including overnight parachute landings on strategic German sites and U.S. Army Rangers scaling cliffs to take out German gun positions.

The victory came at a terrible cost. More than 9,000 Allied troops were killed or wounded just in the first 24 hours of the invasion. The first Allied forces to invade charged into a hail of bullets, knowing they were not likely to survive.

In the ensuing Battle of Normandy, 73,000 Allied forces were killed and 153,000 wounded. Around 20,000 French civilians died as well.

Keeping all that in mind, the D-Day anniversary always is a bittersweet occasion.

That’s more true than usual this year. As veterans of D-Day gather in Normandy once again, their numbers are down to a precious few. Veterans of the invasion are now centenarians or close to it. The exact number of surviving D-Day veterans is unknown, but the U.S. Veterans Administration says less than 1% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in the war were still living at the end of 2023, and 131 are dying every day.

“The actuarial tables tell us that pretty soon there won’t be a generation,” Rob Citino, a senior historian at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, told The Associated Press. “And I think this 80th is the last round year in which we will actually be able to celebrate in the presence, and with the wisdom of, the veteran generation that actually fought the war.”

It’s difficult to fathom the loss of these witnesses to history, including the events leading up the war, the brutal conflict itself and the Holocaust inflicted by Nazi Germany on Jews and others.

We are thankful that the survivors are continuing their efforts to share their stories. We have learned through painful experience that people forget all too easily. It’s imperative that we listen to these individuals, remember their stories and pass them on to generations born long after World War II concluded.

The Associated Press spoke to some of the men who returned to Normandy for this year’s anniversary.

Floyd Blair, 103, a pilot in the Army Air Corps, flew in two support missions across Omaha Beach as the invasion began.

“I saw one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen,” he recalled. “The color of the water changed. Those poor guys on the ground deserve all the credit they can get. The paratroopers, the armored forces, the ground troops. They are the ones.”

Veteran Bob Gibson, 100, landed on Utah Beach in the second wave.

“Some of the young fellows never ever made it to the beach,” he recalled. “It was so bad that we had to run over (them) to get on the beach. That’s how bad it was.”

Les Underwood, 98, a Royal Navy gunner on a British merchant ship that was delivering ammunition to the beaches, saw soldiers drown under the weight of their equipment after leaving their landing craft. “I’ve cried many a time … sat on my own,” Underwood said.

These recollections are priceless. Even the most realistic Hollywood depiction of what happened that day pales in comparison to the memories the veterans carry with them.

We take great comfort in knowing that the tremendous sacrifices made that day were not in vain. Less than a year later, Germany surrendered and the war in Europe was over.

British Army veteran Ken Hay, 98, visits schools to make sure the experiences of those who fought and died to end the Nazi grip on Europe live forever.

“We (veterans) are a tangible interpretation of what they read in the books, what they’ve heard from their parents, what their parents remember their grandparents saying.” Hay told the AP.

We salute those who fought for freedom 80 years ago, on the D-Day anniversary and every day.