The 4th of July is one of our countries most celebrated holidays. It represents our freedom as a nation without religion, race or creed. It has become a celebration of our independence, a time for remembering fallen soldiers, and spending time with friends and family. For me, it's even more special as I was born on the 4th of July.
The military doesn't have an official policy regarding the celebration of the 4th, but many of the militaries performing groups will be making appearances around the country. From the Army Band to the Black Daggers there will be shows for everyone. Cities large and small will host extravagant fireworks displays that light up the sky as we come together as a nation, even if for only one night. I remember seeing these displays as a kid and thinking my Dad had arranged it all for me. It's still my favorite holiday. Take advtange of this great tradition and take your family out to see the fireworks or one of awesome shows around the country.
Here are a few things you might want to check out.
U.S. Naval Aviation Events will be taking place all over the country on the 4th. From Alabama to Wisconsin. Check out this scedule for times and places.
Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard will be appearing in 3 locations on the 4th.
Santa Barbara Parade, Santa Barbara, CA
American Legion 4th of July Parade, Pacific Palisades, CA
America Spirit 4th of July Parade, Coronado, CA
The Heartland of America band will be playing. The Ceremonial Band
July 4 at 1:00 p.m., Ralston, Neb.
4th of July Parade (Main Street heading East towards 72nd St.)
Sponsored by Ralston Chamber of Commerce
Veterans awareness week.
This is a week long national project to raise awareness of veterans' issues and marks their contribution to society. Full details of the weeks events can be found on the Ministry of Defence website.
Atchison & Leavenworth, KS & Kansas City, Missouri. The Missouri River communities of Atchison, Leavenworth, and Kansas City will salute the first Independence Day celebrated in the American West. On July 4, 1804, the expedition celebrated the 28th birthday of the Declaration of Independence by firing its swivel cannon and enjoying an extra ration of whiskey. Kansas City Area events will offer opportunities for a diverse cross section of Americans to explore how independence and democracy have affected us as a culture since Lewis and Clark opened the West for settlement. A variety of commemorative events, programs and educational materials incorporating cultural and ethnic diversity, re-enactments, and historical aspects of the Lewis & Clark Expedition are planned. Activities will include an Air show at the Downtown Airport located at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers along with a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display over the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas City and Leavenworth.
The Black Daggers (the official U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team) will be performing at the 2005 Atlantic County Day at the Bay Festival and Airshow, Somers Point, N.J. and the I Love America Celebratio, Springfield, Mo.
The U.S. Army Concert Band and Herald Trumpets “Summer Concert” COL Thomas Rotondi, Jr. Cary, NC
Fourth of July Celebration. Vancouver's famous fireworks display! The Fort will be open, with living history events throughout the day. Entrance fees for Fort Vancouver are $3 per adult (over 16) or $5 per family. The event, including the concerts and fireworks display, is not coordinated by the National Park Service. For more information, please contact Celebrate Freedom, a program of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust, at (360) 992-1800. Location: Great Meadow and Parade Ground, across from Officer’s Row.
Air Combat Arial Demonstration, Battle Creek, MI, F-15 East, HF F-86/Shipley
The United States Airfore Thunderbirds, BATTLE CREEK, MICH.
Red, White & Blue Festival, Serrine Stadium, Greenville, SC
Webster County Sesquicentennial/Fourth of July Celebration, Marshfield, MO
Fourth of July Vietnam Remebrance, 30th Annual Hosting Moving Wall, Everett Veterans Memorial Stadium, Everett, MA
Jet Hawks Independence Day Baseball Game, Lancaster Municipal Stadium, CA
Grand Ole' Fourth, Downtown Pasco & TRAC Facility, Pasco, WA
Salute 2 America, Peachtree & Baker, Atlanta, GA
Southwestern Wisconsin 4th of July Celebration, Mineral Point, WI
Joint Forces Training Base Fourth of July Celebration, Los Alamitos Army Airfield, CA
Let Freedom Ring, Liberty Bell Center, Philadelphia, PA
Let Freedom Sing, Franktown, CO
July 4th 25th Annual Family Fun Fest, Higginsville, MO
Check your local paper or base for other events as the 4th draws closer. Trust me, you won't have any trouble finding something fun to do for the whole family. I also recommend you check out the Fourth of July Celebrations Database.
