FORT RUCKER, Ala. (July 13, 2015) -- The threat of rain and thunderstorms wasn't enough to deter thousands from celebrating the nation's freedom during Fort Rucker's Independence Day celebration.
Fort Rucker's Freedom Fest went off without a hitch as people from all across the Wiregrass packed the festival fields July 2 to celebrate the nation's independence with music -- provided by the post's own 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band -- food, fun and the one of the area's largest fireworks displays.
"Freedom Fest is Fort Rucker's opportunity to share with the Wiregrass, and our friends on and off post the ability to enjoy our country's freedom," said Col. Stuart J. McRae, Fort Rucker garrison commander. "Fort Rucker is not just an island by itself. We are part of the Wiregrass community and we want to share the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms that we have with the Wiregrass community."
In addition to celebrating the nation's birth and freedoms, the festival was also a chance to honor the fallen, as well as their families for the sacrifices they have made to the nation in support of those freedoms.
"It's an honor to remember the fallen service members and connect with their families," said Rick Kohl, Survivor Outreach Services coordinator. "We exist to provide support for family members who have lost a Soldier, and part of what we do is to connect them to the Army and Army services through outreach events, such as Freedom Fest."
Part of that outreach included a meet-and-greet with Fort Rucker and Aviation leaders, including Maj. Gen. Michael D. Lundy, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, who met and conversed with Gold Star Families in the survivors' tent before festivities kicked off.
There was also the Field of Flags, where a flag was placed to honor the 529 Alabama service members who volunteered their service to serve the nation who were lost in service to their country, said Kohl.
Tricia Harden, military family member, said it's because of those sacrifices that she's able to enjoy the freedoms she does today.
"If it weren't for those who were brave enough to fight for our freedom against those who would seek to deny them from us, then we might not even be able to enjoy the simple things in life that we normally take for granted every, single day," she said. "It's because of those men and women that we can choose to live our lives in the greatest country in the world."
Much of those freedoms were exercised during freedom fest, such as the freedom to enjoy oneself and gorge on festival favorites.
Festival goers were treated to all types of entertainment in the form of live music, static displays, a children's confidence course, a zip line, bounce houses and much more, as well as a whole host of culinary indulgences ranging from fair favorites like funnel cakes and fried desserts, to polish sausages and corn dogs.
The 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band provided a performance that had many attendees dancing in their seats, and Louis Timmerman, civilian, said it was just what she needed to get her Independence Day weekend going right.
"What more could you ask for on a day like today?" asked the Enterprise native. "The skies cleared up and we've got this great band to listen to with all of these people. It really gives you a sense of freedom -- that we're able to enjoy our lives without the fear of persecution for whatever we believe. Also, I just love fireworks, and that's always going to bring me out here."
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