Going to the state fair is supposed to be all fun and games -- and greasy, comfort food.
The South Carolina State Fair was that and more during Fort Jackson Day Oct. 20 as the 282nd Army Band serenaded visitors after a group of Soldiers unfurled a large U.S. flag.
"It was awesome and I enjoyed it," said Staff Sgt. Chris Fairley, with the 282nd Army Band, moments after singing the National Anthem as the flag was raised. "I always enjoy any opportunity I can be a part of something with patriotic elements such as this."
"Obviously this is a bit different than a (basic training graduation) opening ceremony," said Fairley, who sings with the band during many different events such as graduations and the Basketball Madness put on by the University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson earlier this month. "This is a community effort to come out and be a part of something outside of the gate. I would have to admit that this is a bit more special."
"That's a big flag," said Staff Sgt. Johnny Esperon, a range cadre at Fort Jackson and a member of the honor guard that raised the flag. "Usually we have a flag that is folded so we would be unfolding the flag as we go. But this flag was (so big) it was laid out in a box."
Fort Jackson Day at the fair is "a great experience" that gave Soldiers something different than the normal routine, Esperon said. It is great for not only the non-commissioned officers and Soldiers to go to the fair, but for Soldiers in Training to see how the community supports them.
"It's kind of a break from normal duty," he said about raising the flag. After all the hard work "we get to have a little time with our Families and enjoy all the stuff the city provides."
For newly graduated Soldiers in Training, going to the fair was especially meaningful as it was their first act since marching across Hilton Field.
Some Soldiers took their newfound freedom and went straight for the corn dog stand.
"It's exciting," said Pvt. Ezekiel Rosiles, as he sat down with his parents to eat corn dogs. Rosiles would have two -- both without mustard for fear he might spill some on his dress shirt.
After graduation, Rosiles was able to spend the day at the fair with his mother, Karen, and Michael his father, before heading to Fort Lee, Virginia for Advanced Individual Training.
"We love it, look at how proud he is," said Karen, about her son. His Family hadn't seen him in two months and didn't know what to expect, but they said they loved what they saw.
"When we saw him yesterday for Family Day I broke into tears," she said. "I started taking pictures and sending them back home through Facebook and I started getting emails and instant messages because everyone has been waiting to hear about Ezekiel. It has been incredible."
The Rosiles, who are from San Jose, California, were part of more than 450,000 people who visited the fair this year. The fair closed Sunday.
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