Letter to the Editor: Local resident finds recent balloon release troublesome and problematic

Dear Editor,

I am writing to publicly express my absolute shock and disbelief that in this day and age of information a tradition as archaic and barbaric as balloon releases are still taking place in Sidney. Most people have realized the impact balloons have on wildlife and animals and have put a halt to practice, and the states of CA, CN, DE, FL, HI, ME, MD, RI, and TN all have legislation in place that limit or outright ban the release of balloons. For a reason.

In last week's paper (8/15/2024) there was a photo of a local balloon release. I understand the importance of the event, and empathize with how much it means to people, but to incorporate a balloon release shows utter disregard for nature, the environment, and the natural habitat in not just our area, but beyond. Released balloons can harm animals, humans, and even our environment by leading to accidents, injury, and in some cases, even power outages. I get there is “symbolism” to it and that it has been going on for decades and is part of the Night of Hope traditions, but I would think by now someone would have the courage to stand up and say, “This isn't right!”. Shame on the organizers! There is no telling what the damage will be or where. A balloon released at a Huskers football home game was found on a beach in New York, more than 1,200 miles away, wrapped around the neck of a dead sea turtle. This is verifiable, just google it. And while you are at it, anyone saying I am making a big deal over nothing should do a search for “wildlife killed by balloons” and then click 'images”. What you will see is horrifying.

The sheer hubris of the organizers of these events should be taken to task. How is an event more important than the welfare of our defenseless animals? There are great alternatives that can be a new tradition like using personalized wind spinners or bubbles using either one large bubble machine or individual bottles of bubbles. Thousands of bubbles rising upwards is every bit as breathtaking as balloons, if not more.

I think our local government needs to consider making balloon releases illegal here, period. Sponsors and supporters of any event that incorporates balloon releases should think long and hard about whether they should continue to do so.

A public acknowledgment and apology is the bare minimum the community should see from the organizers of the balloon release at recent events.

Debra M., Sidney