Wind gusts signaling the arrival of spring, and blowing away winter's frigid grasp, warmed Washington, D.C.'s Southwest waterfront April 4 just in time for the 12th Annual Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival.
Though the heavy winds prevented sailing activities for the day, thousands gathered to celebrate the 1912 gifting of 3,000 pink blossoming cherry trees that came to the District from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo, and to watch the annual fireworks display over the Potomac River.
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander Col. Mike Henderson gave opening remarks on the floating stage where several bands performed throughout the day, including the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band and Color Guard, The U.S. Army Band Downrange and The U.S. Army Blues Swamp Romp.
"Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall has been a long-standing and proud member of the Washington Waterfront Association and this dynamic Southwest D.C. community," said Henderson. "It has been our great honor and privilege to provide military support for the fireworks festival and to be a part of this tremendous annual event…now for the 12th year in a row."
About 30 military volunteers were on site to assist stage logistics and to monitor booths dedicated to arts and crafts. Volunteers for the festival included members of various installation Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, or B.O.S.S., organizations from throughout the National Capital Region.
U.S. Army Pvt. Rustan Gerhardt, 20, from New London, Texas, stationed on Fort George G. Meade, Md., volunteered for a five-hour shift during the festival. Since high school, he has volunteered on many projects, and likes to "help out whenever he can," he said.
"We had a lot of fun at the festival," he said. "The people were really friendly. I would definitely do it again."
After the sun set, thousands of attendees gathered along the waterfront to watch a fireworks display.
For more pictures from this event visit flickr.com/jbm-hh.
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