FORT KNOX, Ky. – Fort Knox celebrated the nation’s 246 years of independence with a Fourth of July celebration, a Salute to the Nation ceremony and a fireworks spectacular on Brooks Parade Field here July 4.
Thousands of Soldiers, Families, community members, as well as recently-graduated cadets currently at the installation for Cadet Summer Training attended the event, which included various food and drink options, games and live music. Bounce houses, a painting wall and other activities were also available for children.
Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, addressed the crowd during the Salute to the Nation ceremony, thanking everyone for attending and wishing Fort Knox a happy 4th of July.
“What a wonderful opportunity it is to bring the community, our soldiers, [and] civilians together to celebrate Independence Day,” said Davis. “It’s a special day for all of us as we look at where our nation has come from, from the very beginnings to now.”
Following his speech, newly-commissioned second lieutenants presented flags from each of the 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. The newly-commissioned second lieutenants carried out the state’s flags in the order they joined the Union, with a canon firing after the name of each state was announced.
Leading up to the fireworks show, attendees had the opportunity to visit several food trucks and sponsor tables on site, participate in a cornhole tournament, and listen to live performances from Louisville band Wax Factory.
The event concluded with the installation’s annual fireworks display just over the tree line southeast of Brooks Field and U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox headquarters.
For more photos of the event, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/armyrotc/albums/72177720300320299
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