Group Cautions: Veterans With PTSD Can Be Upset By Fireworks

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(CBS) -- Fireworks during Fourth of July festivities may mean fun and celebration for some, but it can bring back dark memories for some military veterans.

Signs that read "Combat Veteran Lives Here, Please Be Courteous With Fireworks" have been supplied to homes all over the country by the Indiana organization Military with PTSD.

Executive Director and Co-Founder Shawn Gourley says the signs don't aim to eliminate fireworks completely.

One of the signs designed by the Indiana organization Military with PTSD. (Facebook)

"These guys fought to protect our freedom and they don't ever want to stop anyone from setting off fireworks," Gourley said. "It's the days leading up to and the days after July 4 when the fireworks are unexpected that causes the big problem."

Gourley says the problem is that many veterans battling PTSD can experience flashbacks of their time in combat if fireworks catch them off-guard.

"It can bring back thoughts of the war," she says. "It sounds so much like gunfire, firecrackers and bombs."

Signs can be found on Military with PTSD's Facebook page.