The BEST Independence Day bash in the whole of the south east.
My heart is breaking.
Mom and Dad, I’m so excited for our family vacation to the beach this summer, but just know that I’m harboring a grudge against you for planning our trip over the 4th of July weekend. I’m going to miss the best 4th of July party in the entire state (or the whole south, some would argue), but my absence doesn’t mean YOU can’t partake of the amazingness.
Maybe it’s my romantic nature which makes me so sensitive, but just thinking about this event makes me choke up. I love the level of patriotism displayed at Fort Bragg’s 4th of July festival. Fort Bragg is the largest military base in the country, boasting nearly 45,000 soldiers (10% of the Army’s active component forces) and their families.
I can close my eyes and almost feel all those soldiers gathered in the parade field, gazing up into the summer sky watching the most impressive fireworks display this side of the Mississippi. At about sundown, the National Anthem is played and there is a flag ceremony. The 82nd Division All-American Band plays the 1812 Overture and a canon is blown for each state.
Thousands of people cheer for their home state, smoke from the canons blow rings in the sky, and you get this sense of community that is so overwhelming, I’m almost in tears writing this right now.
I know it sounds silly—a big barbeque that makes me cry? But it does. Perhaps it’s the military presence… so many soldiers have made sacrifices for our country; some have paid the ultimate sacrifice, all in the name of giving us the freedom to come together and have celebrations like this.
This year, the fireworks show starts at 9:42 p.m. It is shown in conjunction with the 96.5 The Drive “Concert in the Sky.” Patriotic songs are played against the fireworks, further adding to the effect. It is truly amazing. For the past few years, I know they’ve played Whitney Houston’s version of the national anthem that she sang at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. It wouldn’t be the same without it, I’ll tell you what.
Okay, here are less sappy details: vendors and the “Kiddie Land” section of the parade ground open at 3:00 p.m. Colt Ford will be in concert from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., the Golden Knights will have their annual freefall parachute demonstration at 6:00 p.m., then at 6:30 p.m. Chevelle will be in concert.
All of these festivities are free and open to the public. Mind you, Fort Bragg is a closed base. If you do not have a military I.D. card or a decal on your car, you will have to have your car searched at one of the checkpoints. Please allow extra time for this; there will be A LOT of people trying to get on base. For further information, check out the website or call 910-396-3919.
I’m all about a good party, but don’t forget why we celebrate the 4th of July in the first place. Love your country and enjoy the festival for me!
by Emily Farrington-Smith
June 21, 2010
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