Photos: Fort Knox celebrates 245 years of independence with July 4 Celebration, Salute to the Nation ceremony

By Patrick HodgesJuly 6, 2021

Fort Knox fireworks
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Fort Knox fireworks display July 4, 2021 (Photo Credit: Jenn DeHaan, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL
Family enjoys Fort Knox Fourth of July Celebration
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – One family, who just arrived at Fort Knox this winter, said they were thrilled to discover the installation had planned such a wonderful July 4th event. “It’s so great to have something you can just walk right from your house to come to,” said the spouse whose husband began serving at U.S. Army Cadet Command in December. (Photo Credit: Jenn DeHaan) VIEW ORIGINAL
Father and son play games at Fort Knox July 4 Celebration
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A retiree plays games with his son during the Fort Knox Fourth of July Celebration July 4, 2021 (Photo Credit: Jenn DeHaan, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL
Casey and Romy perform
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Casey and Romy provide live music during Fort Knox's Fourth of July Celebration July 4, 2021 (Photo Credit: Jenn DeHaan) VIEW ORIGINAL
Maj. Gen. Evans addresses attendees
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – During the Salute to the Nation Ceremony, Maj. Gen. John R. Evans Jr., commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, addressed the attendees. “It’s nice to finally be able to get out here and shake off the dust of COVID, and get together again and socialize.” (Photo Credit: Jenn DeHaan, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL
51-cannon salute
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Howitzer cannons are fired 51 times during the Salute to the Nation Ceremony - 1 shot for each state and one for the six U.S. territories. (Photo Credit: Jenn DeHaan) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Knox, Kentucky - Fort Knox celebrated the nation’s 245 years of independence with a Fourth of July Celebration kicking and a Salute to the Nation ceremony on Brooks Parade Field here starting at 6 p.m.

The celebration featured bounce houses, family activities and live music from the First Armored Division Band and Casey and Romy.

The Salute to the Nation ceremony included the traditional firing of 51 cannon rounds – one for each state and one for the six U.S. territories.

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. John R. Evans Jr., commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, addressed the attendees.

“It’s nice to finally be able to get out here and shake off the dust of COVID, and get together again and socialize," said Evans. “It was 245 years ago when our founding fathers proclaimed that all men are created equal, and they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

"You are the people that protect that promise to America. I want to thank you for the sake of my family, from the bottom of my heart for what it is you do.”

The day’s activities culminated with a fireworks spectacular at 10 p.m., courtesy of Fort Knox’s Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

All photos can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortknoxky/albums/72157719509105466