GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- The U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr will celebrate Independence Day this year with a traditional "hometown-style" event on the Tower Barracks Parade Field in Grafenwoehr.
Soldiers, civilians and family members are invited to pack a picnic basket, blankets and lawn chairs for this get-together.
Unfortunately, personal barbecues will be prohibited on the parade field. Due to barbecue-related injuries at last year's celebration, limited space and a projected large number of children and pets, personal barbecues have been ruled unsafe.
Vendors will sell nachos, burgers, hot dogs and desserts on the parade field starting at 7 p.m.
Entertainment and carnival activities will not be provided; however, a fireworks display will start around 10:30 p.m.
IMCOM-Europe Region Director Kathleen Marin stressed that completely canceling Fourth of July festivities was not an option since Soldiers, civilians and families sacrifice so much and commit their lives to the defense of our nation and its values. Therefore, it is only natural the one holiday that we will celebrate the birth of the nation.
Festivities will be much smaller than in past years due to sequestration and furlough. In addition, due to the excessive security costs, the post cannot be opened to those without DoD ID cards or installation passes this year.
USAG Grafenwoehr sincerely regrets not being able to open the post this year; however, even without an open post, the fireworks display can be seen from many places off post. USAG Grafenwoehr hopes everyone in the area will take the opportunity to enjoy the fireworks show.
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