In an effort to raise awareness and help combat veterans living in Hays, the American Legion is distributing free yard signs in advance of the Fourth of July celebration.

The signs — “Combat Veteran Lives Here. Please Be Courteous With Fireworks” — will be available Tuesday and Wednesday at the Legion, 1305 Canterbury.

“It’s not to say no fireworks. It’s just to be courteous. The biggest thing is preparing that veteran that may have PTSD that this is coming up,” said Legion Manager Lisa VanHorn. “It just helps them not be caught off-guard.”

VanHorn said 50 signs were ordered, “not knowing how many suffer from PTSD.” She expected more will be ordered next year.

The noise and even the smell of sulfur can be triggers to combat vets suffering from PTSD, VanHorn added.

RELATED: Hays author will discuss PTSD book at Hays library.

The message has been spread extensively via social media (click HERE for the Legion’s Facebook page), she added, noting the community has shown extensive support for the signs — and those who have served.

“The support of this community is just phenomenal…absolutely overwhelming,” VanHorn said. “I’m just amazed.”

The word has spread so far, in fact, that a woman in Georgia inquired about having a sign shipped to a friend in Salina — a task VanHorn was taking on Monday morning.

The Legion is closed today, as well as Thursday, as Legion members will be helping withe security at Wild West Festival.

VanHorn said the signs will be available at the National Guard booth at the event.