WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii – More than 30,000 Soldiers, families and community members came to Schofield Barracks, July 2, for the installation’s annual Independence Day celebration, which was also the first open-post event held there since 2019.

Attendees filled Weyand Field to celebrate America’s 246th birthday with a day that included live music, games, food and a fireworks display at the end of the evening.

The centerpiece of the event was a “Salute to the Nation” ceremony, which pays tribute to Independence Day and honors America by presenting the flags of the 50 states and six U.S. territories.

Musical performances included Marc E. Bassy, MAX, the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Chase Rice and the 25th Infantry Division Band. Attendees were also treated to a freefall parachute demonstration by the “Black Daggers” from U.S. Army Special Operations Command.