Every August, the citizens of The City of Chicago are tortured by the sounds of fighter jets screeching across our beautiful blue skies. The Chicago Air and Water show is a nuisance to all that live here and should no longer continue. 

There is nothing pleasant about waking up to the sounds of war planes flying overhead. Veterans, refugees, people with sensory processing issues, pets, and children are made to suffer during the week-long practice and performance of the Air and Water Show. Not to mention the fact that individuals who don’t fit in any of the aforementioned categories have stated that the sounds of fighter jets are anxiety-inducing, interrupt work and school, and are generally unpleasant to be forced to listen to. 

Furthermore, the unnecessary use of planes over the city’s waterfront pollutes both our air and our greatest source of water- Lake Michigan. As climate change becomes an increasing threat to life on Earth as we know it, we should be cutting back on carbon consumption and plane usage. The show is a wasteful and irresponsible use of fuel that will only continue to poison our immediate environment. What little wildlife exists in the city is only further decimated by both the deafening sounds and environmental impact of the Air and Water Show. 

The show does not come without its risks, either. In 2015, a US Army parachutist died after hitting a high rise building in the Gold Coat and falling to his death. Although it has been scrubbed from the front page of Google when you search “Chicago Air and Water Show 2015” you can read about the incident here: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/golden-knights-parachutists-critically-injured-identified/51204/%3Famp%3D1

After surviving multiple tours abroad, this honored veteran died for the sake of a ridiculous military-entertainment spectacle. Not to mention the countless other individuals who are re-traumatized year after year from the incessant booming and blaring of warcraft terrorizing the city  If the city of Chicago has any respect for its veterans, residents, wildlife, and environment, the appropriate governing authorities will cease funding for the Air and Water Show and cancel it indefinitely.

Please share this petition with anyone and everyone you know that cannot bear the Air and Water Show any longer. We are Chicago- we will be heard! (as soon as the planes stop anyways…)