Photo By Sgt. Charles Santamaria | Color Gaurd marches in Independence Day event.... read more read more
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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The first firework soars through the darkness as the Twentynine Palms community watches in anticipation from lawn chairs, vehicle rooftops, and grassy areas of Luckie Park. The firework explodes and color fizzes into the night sky marking the beginning of the fireworks show, a proud, traditional, celebration of independence and freedom.
The city of Twentynine Palms hosted a Fourth of July celebration at Luckie Park, July 4.
The event featured a band with the Rodeo Revival country music group, static displays of Marine Corps vehicles, face painting, a water park, and fireworks to end the celebration.
“It makes me feel good to be able to make some kids smile by showing them the vehicles and giving them a chance to experience it,” said Pvt. David Anderson, motor transportation operator, Combat Logistics Battalion 7. “It shows the community we have a kind heart and care about our relationship with them.”
The event was open for anyone to enjoy the festivities. The success of the event brings more people each year.
“About three years ago, the city took over management for the event,” said Larry Bowden, recreation superintendent, city of Twentynine Palms, Calif. “Our city council gave us the money for the fireworks and other parts of the ceremony. The first year brought in approximately 3,000 people, the next year was about 5,000, and this year we don’t know what to expect.”
The final fireworks show lasted approximately 15 minutes, concluding the event. As the event grows in attendance, the showing gets bigger and more extravagant.
“We have a really great fireworks show, and the people who coordinate them go above and beyond with what they give us,” Bowden said.
Combat Center Marines volunteered to give people of all ages tours of the military vehicles, allowing them to enter the driver’s seat, operate some of the parts, and start the engines.
“As the day gets cooler, the kids always want to go down and see the military vehicles, and the Marines who come down love talking to the children about it,” Bowden said. “There are some who may think there’s a big difference between the city and the Marine Corps base, and I spent my whole high school years on a Marine Corps base. For me it’s just one big community. Events like this bring everyone together.”
Although Independence Day is celebrated through fireworks, barbecues, and music, the day represents what our ancestors fought and died for more than 200 years ago.
“I’ve had a great life and I’ve been able to do what I wanted,” Bowden said. “I’m an American citizen and I love the freedoms I have living in this country; Independence Day celebrates that.”
| Date Taken: | 07.08.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2014 19:07 |
| Story ID: | 135787 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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