In honor of the nation’s 245th year of independence, the home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces celebrated the momentous occasion with comradery and festivities at the Main Post Parade Field on Fort Bragg, July 4.
“The Fourth of July observance is Fort Bragg’s largest event,” said Theresa Smith, special events coordinator with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. “The July Fourth celebration has always been a popular event. We know the community is excited to get out and celebrate together.”
The event was kicked off with live music performed by the 82nd Rock Band, a parachute demonstration by the U.S. Army Golden Knights, a flag ceremony recognizing all 50 states and U.S. territories, a concert by local rock band The Fifth, and headliner Foreigner.
The event was celebrated as a success, attracting approximately 27,500 spectators both on and off of Fort Bragg, but this wasn’t the case in the past two years.
“This is the first Fourth of July we’ve done at Fort Bragg since 2018,” said Col. Scott Pence, Fort Bragg Garrison Commander. “In 2019, we’ve all gathered here, but there was severe weather. It cancelled the concert. In 2020, everything was [cancelled] from the pandemic. People are ready to come back together to celebrate the Fourth of July.”
For one spectator, the event is what the community needed.
“We need a morale booster like this at Fort Bragg,” said Kevin Sawyer, who attended the event with his son Brian Sawyer. “Freedom [is what the Fourth of July means to me].”
Pence added that July 4 is the reason why he signed up to serve.
“After 23 years, it’s why we continue to serve in the 245 years of the nation’s history,” he said.
With a crowd overlooking the neighboring Polo Field, the evening concluded with 18 minutes of a fireworks display illuminating the night sky.
Editor’s Note: Jackie Thomas, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs, contributed to the article.
Social Sharing