1 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Fort Jackson Basic Combat Training trainees watch the grand finale of the 4th of July Independence Day celebration fireworks display July 2 at Hilton Field.
(Photo Credit: Alexandra Shea)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Fireworks explode over Hilton Field on Fort Jackson July 2in honor of the nation's Independence Day. It was the first fireworks display to celebrate July 4th in five years.
(Photo Credit: Robert Timmons)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Basic Combat Trainees sing along during musical acts on Fort Jackson during the post's Independence Day celebration July 2 at Hilton Field on post.
(Photo Credit: Robert Timmons)VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Basic Combat Trainees sing along during musical acts on Fort Jackson during the post's Independence Day celebration July 2 at Hilton Field on post.
(Photo Credit: Robert Timmons)VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Musician and Navy veteran Brooks Herring sings a patriotic tune during the opening moments of Fort Jackson's Independence Day celebration July 2 at Hilton Field on post.
(Photo Credit: Robert Timmons)VIEW ORIGINAL6 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Pfc. Jacob Boerio, a trainee at Fort Jackson, S.C., salutes during the playing of the national anthem at the start of the installation's Independence Day celebration July 2. The event was the first time in five years Fort Jackson held fireworks for July 4th.
(Photo Credit: Robert Timmons)VIEW ORIGINAL7 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Children race down a slide while playing in the Kidz Zone during the Fort Jackson 4th of July Independence Day celebration at Hilton Field on July 2. The celebration returned after a five-year hiatus after being moved to celebrate the installation’s 100th anniversary of establishment and the COVID-19 pandemic that closed all mass public activities for two-years.
(Photo Credit: Alexandra Shea)VIEW ORIGINAL8 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Children and their parents enjoy a swing ride in the Kids Zone July 2 during the Fort Jackson 4th of July Independence Day celebration July 2 at Hilton Field. Soldiers, trainees, civilians, retirees, veterans, local Columbia, South Carolina, community and their Family members were invited to attend the celebration as it returns from a five-year hiatus.
(Photo Credit: Alexandra Shea)VIEW ORIGINAL9 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
A military family enjoys a teacup ride in the Kids Zone during the 4th of July Independence Day celebration held at Fort Jackson’s Hilton Field. Celebrated on July 2, the event offered food trucks, local military artisan market, concert and fireworks display to celebrate the nation’s freedom.
(Photo Credit: Alexandra Shea)VIEW ORIGINAL10 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Musician and Navy veteran Brooks Herring performs a cover song for attendees of the Fort Jackson 4th of July Independence Day celebration July 2 at Hilton Field. Attendees were treated to a variety of food trucks, beer tent, musical acts, and a Kids Zone before the start of the fireworks display.
(Photo Credit: Alexandra Shea)VIEW ORIGINAL11 / 11Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Part of the grand finale of the Fort Jackson 4th of July Independence Day celebration fireworks display July 2. More than 8,000 trainees, cadre and Soldiers covered Hilton Field in addition to over 1,00 local area community members to celebrate the nation’s freedoms with a concert, food trucks and Kids Zone.
(Photo Credit: Alexandra Shea)VIEW ORIGINAL
Independence Day fireworks returned to Fort Jackson and local Columbia, South Carolina, community July 2 after a five-year hiatus.
“There are 8,000 of you out here representing Fort Jackson and the United States Army,” shouted Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis, Fort Jackson commanding general, from the stage. "I am so proud of all that you do to defend our country and that’s why we’re all here.”
Soldiers and trainees are often found at Hilton Field celebrating graduation ceremonies. On Saturday, they filled the field alongside civilians, retirees and local area community members to celebrate the nation’s freedoms with a variety of activities.
Throughout the day food trucks served a variety of snacks and drinks, children rode rides and jumped around inflatables in the children’s play area, and Families were found setting up foldable chairs and blankets as they enjoyed picnics.
“We welcome you back to Fort Jackson after a hiatus of five-years,” Michaelis added. “Let's have a great show tonight and enjoy yourselves.”
Fort Jackson’s fireworks display was moved to June those five years ago that Michaelis spoke about to celebrate the anniversary of the establishment of Fort Jackson. From 2020 to 2021, the fireworks displays were canceled as the world battled against the spread of the COVID-19 virus by canceling or postponing all public gatherings.
Now returned, event planners came together to present a bigger and better celebration. In addition to the food trucks, games, and children play area, musical acts by local Navy veteran Brooks Herring who opened for the show’s headliner Breland.
“I’m really excited to be here today,” Breland said. “To be able to celebrate with the people who stepped up to serve America was a no brainer. This, by far, has been one of the coolest opportunities to play a show.”
Once Herring and Breland completed their shows, the 282nd Army Band filled the stage, playing a variety of patriotic music synchronized to a cannon salute battery and the fireworks display.
Attendees across the field were silhouetted as red, white, blue and gold as explosions lit up the night sky.
“U.S.A, U.S.A.,” could be heard as attendees shouted throughout the display.
The show lasted more than 30 minutes as all eyes peered toward the skyline. “You asked for it and we listened,” Michaelis said. “We hope you enjoy it.”
Social Sharing