Peter S. Morgan Jr., a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, lives in Raymond.

On Monday, July 6, our peaceful Maine haven was interrupted in the afternoon by six jets (and a spare) in formation as, apparently, they were traveling from their last performance in New York to prepare for the Great State of Maine Air Show in Brunswick the following weekend. The thunderous noise was most disturbing in our neighborhood to the residents and their pets (and presumably wildlife in the area ).

The incident, which was repeated many times during the week in the Portland area, is a brief reminder of lived experience of those subject to military “exercises” around the world. Imagine living with constant flyovers by jets, missiles or drones.

The noise might be dismissed as a nuisance, but the lack of awareness of the impact of government/military actions belies serious consequences they cause. We should discuss the environmental impact, the financial cost, community cultural changes and more with awareness of these activities.

Environmental: The U.S. military is exempt from regulatory standards. Note discoveries of high incidents of cancer, birth defects and other health problems from exposure to chemicals on bases, battlefields and toxic equipment.

Financial: In light of DOGE emphasis on government spending waste and abuse, the Department of Defense’s spending is increasing at an incredible rate. The cost is unsustainable. (It is said that an air show costs a million dollars, but the loss of two Blue Angels jets in Idaho a couple of months ago surely cannot be factored into that assessment. )

Cultural: The fighter jet pilots need training. It’s usually conducted over remote geographical areas. Training need not occur over heavily populated urban areas. (The soft presentation of the military presence can be viewed as a recruiting objective when such exposure is often decried as “advertising.” Are these formation stunts applicable in combat situations? ) The serious hazards to spectators and communities are discounted by the DoD.

There is a documentary on this subject, “Earth’s Greatest Enemy,” from Empire Files, currently traveling independent of the air shows. Screenings are following along the air show schedule. The documentary combines investigative journalism, striking visuals and firsthand testimonies from veterans, scientists and affected communities.

It explores toxic contamination at military sites like Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where chemical dumping caused serious health issues and infant deaths, and global environmental damage, including deforestation, ocean pollution and toxic battlefields in locations such as Alaska, Hawaii, Japan and Gaza .

The film examines the military carbon footprint, with the U.S. military being responsible for 25% of global carbon emissions, operating over 800 bases in at least 80 countries and consuming 270,000 barrels of oil daily. It also looks at the ecological and human health consequences, including exposure to harmful substances like titanium and depleted uranium in war-affected regions.

The film emphasizes the hidden costs of a global military empire, connecting anti-militarism with environmental activism and urging audiences to recognize the planetary consequences of military operations.

The film tour has been facilitated by Veterans For Peace, Climate Crisis & Militarism Project. For more information, visit https://www.veteransforpeace.org/take-action/climatecrisis/wake-climate-crisis-tour.