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HomeArts/LeisureFort Campbell celebrates the birth of our nation with a bang!

Fort Campbell celebrates the birth of our nation with a bang!

Fort Campbell KY - 101st Airborne DivisionFort Campbell's Morale, Welfare and Recreation - MWRFort Campbell, KY – Fort Campbell and the surrounding communities came together to celebrate the 4th of July, Independence Day with a bang at Fort Campbell’s USAA and MWR’s (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) Independence Day Carnival and Fireworks display.

ā€œThis is what we’re here for! We’re here to celebrate the birth of our nation, our soldiers and their families, and our civilians workers. They give so much to us and this is our way of giving back to them especially today on our nation’s birthday,ā€ said Rayna Holly from the Fort Campbell Public Affiars Office.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JnILZkS2uk[/youtube]

ā€œWe also appreciate the folks from our surrounding communities who came out and joined us here today! They support us so much, and they truly are our biggest fans! So for us to be able do things for them like hosting the fireworks show on the 4th of July, it means the world to us here at Fort Campbell.ā€

Fort Campbell has hosted the Fourth of July Celebration for more than a few decades and is a one of the major July 4 celebrations throughout the region. Between 25,000 and 30,000 people jammed the 101st Airborne Division parade field by the time the first firework was launched!

Cover Down on stage at the 2014 MWR Independence Day Carnival and fireworks display
Cover Down on stage at the 2014 MWR Independence Day Carnival and fireworks display

This yearā€™s theme was Soldier for Life. The Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John F. Campbell recently stated in a Facebook town hall, ā€œThe Soldier for Life program connects Soldiers, Veterans and Families with resources and opportunities both during and post military service. The program strives to change the mindset of Soldiers and Veterans to instill, ā€˜Once a Soldier, always a Soldier, a Soldier for Life.ā€™ā€

The day featured the posting of the colors, a performance by the 101st Airborne Division band, a parachute demonstration by the Screaming Eagles Parachute Demonstration Team, and a 50-gun Salute to the Union.

Belle City Amusements
Belle City Amusements

Belle City Amusements provided the Carnival which featured 20 major adult rides; 12 childrenā€™s rides; 8 food concessions; and 25 games of skill. Looking down the midway it was wall-to-wall people, but everyone was having a blast! Lines for concessions were a but long but the wait times were manageable.

The 101st Airborne Division band kicked things off with a flourish as the Dirty Birds, a New Orleans style jazz group opened up the musical entertainment. They were followed by Cover Down, the 101st Airborne Division rock band.

The fireworks show is the big draw for the evening and it is quite spectacular, with a finale that is not to be missed. The sky is filled with light as the sound of dozens of simultaneous explosions rocks the crowd. This is definitely one of the biggest fireworks show in the region. We want to give a special thank you to Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division for allowing us the privilege of attending each year!

We have pictures and video included below for those who missed what is the do not miss fireworks show of the year.

Photo Gallery

Videos

Screaming Eagles Parachute Demonstration Team

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2l05IvER4w[/youtube]

50 gun salute to the Nation

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSEuVHAh_hs[/youtube]

The Fireworks

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRfGNhjqSac[/youtube]

Bill Larson
Bill Larson
Bill Larson isĀ  is politically and socially active in the community. Bill is a member of the Friends of Dunbar Cave. You can reach him via telephone at 931-249-0043 or via the email address below.
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