Fort Eisenhower holds their annual Independence Celebration

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Independence Day celebrations got off to their traditional early start at Fort Eisenhower.

The event was packed with families. There was live entertainment, food trucks, a kiddie carnival, and, most excitingly, fireworks.

“We try to come out every year to celebrate. You know what the Fourth of July means. You know our independence,” said Sherifat Lawal, an attendee.

Organizers have been putting the event together for two weeks, expecting 20-25 thousand people to attend.

“One of the things we want to make sure is it’s safe, and safety is paramount at Fort Eisenhower, and that’s why we draw so many families in the CSRA,” said Larry Coggins, The Chief Recreation Division.

Officials at Fort Eisenhower want you to remember the reason for this celebration.

The folks who authorize those freedoms that gave us our service members—soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines—are out here on this field behind me with their families. Some of them aren’t here because they are doing their job, which is 24/7, 363 days out of the year. Celebrating together, that’s what America’s all about,” said Paul Stanton, the Commanding General of the Cyber Center of Excellence.

The fireworks show started late due to technical difficulties with the bands earlier in the day, but that did not stop the crowd from enjoying the fireworks and being

“It’s definitely a blessing to, just like he said, have veterans, service members, and community members as well all come together for one special event,” said Special Agent Jamarcos Winters, U.S. Army.

The event was free and open to the public, being the largest post-event of the year.

“The fourth means independence. It’s one thing that is very important and one thing that represents the United States,” Private Tyrek Epps, U.S. Army.

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