Fireworks fly at HAFB Independence Day celebration

  • Published
  • By Airman Sondra M. Wieseler
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  On July 3rd, Holloman commemorated Independence Day with an old-fashioned, day-long celebration at the Fitness and Sports Center here. 

More than 3,000 members of Team Holloman came out to participate in the festival that included contests, musical entertainment and, of course, fireworks. 

The day began with a variety of sporting events including a four-mile fun run, a basketball tournament and a volleyball tournament. Later that evening, the real celebration began. 

The official Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration kicked off at 4:00 p.m. with the National Anthem and opening remarks by Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander. 

Then the carnival rides opened and moments later were full of young children. 

"I think the best part is seeing the kids," said Ms. Willie Luzano, Airman's programs and special events coordinator who's been involved in Holloman's Independence Day celebrations for 14 years. "Even some of the adults start acting like kids out there having fun." 

While many people indulged in the free food and drinks, others danced to the live music under the tent. Many checked out the selection of classics at the car show, and others put on their game faces to contend in the challenges. 

Throughout the night, Independence Day was more than celebrated with watermelon eating contests, musical chair scavenger hunts, Texas Hold'em contests, frozen T-shirt contests, a colossal cookie challenge and a water balloon toss. 

All of the events led up to the grand finale of the night; the fireworks. 

Men, women and children alike watched as the array of colors lit up the New Mexico sky. To some, this was the best part. 

"I really enjoy seeing everyone in the evening when they see the fireworks display going off; just the awe in their faces," said Ms. Luzano. "I'm a kid at heart too and that's my favorite part of the entire day." 

Independence Day is important to many members of the United States military, as it signifies the freedom of the nation they fight for every day. It's often viewed as America's birthday, and it's no doubt that Team Holloman wished it a very happy one indeed. 

"Independence day means freedom," said Ms. Eva James, a military spouse and participant of the event. "It's the freedom to come out and enjoy ourselves, freedom to pray and freedom to be who we are." 

"Look how today's world is; it's pretty much in chaos," said Mr. Mark Doinoff, the director of golf at the Apache Mesa golf course here. "We have to have times like this to appreciate what we have and what we fight for." 

The coordinators of the event would like to send a special thanks to the sponsors of the Independence Day celebration.