By Noelani Mathews | WCTV Eyewitness News

QUITMAN – In the eyes of many veterans, fireworks can turn any holiday from patriotic to panic.

This year, a non-profit organization in Quitman worked to change that.

Hopes and Dreams Riding Facility helps veterans who suffer from PTSD, TBI, and other disabilities.

For the first time, they hosted their own Fourth of July Celebration on Monday.

Founder, Mike Randall, says fireworks often keep veterans from celebrating Independence Day, but he recently spoke with veterans lodged at his facility who wanted to give it a try.

“We’ve asked the veterans what they wanted to do, and they said they would like to try some very minor stuff to see if they can handle it,” said Randall. “If we shoot one off, and they can’t handle it, we will put them up. It’s up to them and what they want. This is kind of a recovery process to get them used to different things.”

The facility invited family, friends and other veterans to join the celebration at Hopes and Dreams for grilling, horseback riding and other activities.

Hopes and Dreams is located on 6300 Madison Highway in Quitman.