This never gets old! Flags flying, grandpa firing up the match-light, family spending the day together, and fireworks at night. Best to you all on this very special holiday!
George
Sure do miss the fantastic, if not grand, celebrations at the different NavFac's. They were so personal feeling when shared with great friends. Oh the memories. Put me in the time machine and take me on a ride to some of the best days of my life. Wishing everyone a great 4th celebration.
I enjoyed some wonderful July 4th celebrations at NAVFACs, but the celebration that really stands out during my career was the Bi-Centenial (1976) at Kadena AFB, Okinawa. All day and evening with all the old traditional activities, tons of food, and fireworks. Even the Japanese locals got into the celebration spirit.
Of all the Birthdays we get a chance to celebrate perhaps the most important to our family's future is America's Birthday. Everyone have a blast... but remember that America's Freedoms have never been more in jeopardy than they are today. Be safe and stay cool.
I do not remember to many 4th of July's at NAVFAC'S, probably because I was standing a eve or midwatch that day. But I do remember the one in 1994 while stationed at CNFJ Yokosuka Japan. I lived in one of the big towers on the base and they were shooting fireworks from the bay and I had a birds eye from my window. I think that tour was one of most interesting tours I can remember.
Happy Independence Day to all the individuals and the families of those who have served and are serving in the armed services of this great nation! I am indebted to those who have endured combat and/or gave their lives on behalf of our country. I am equally grateful to have been blessed to serve a full 20 year+ navy career without seeing combat. Disregarding schools I attended as a trainee, my career was spent serving on four NAVFACs, one NOPF, two TASS ships, one training command, and one major staff. In all these endeavors I served with people who were among the brightest and most capable the navy had to offer. On this, our nation’s birthday, I salute you and splice the main brace in a toast to our shared U. S. Navy heritage.
God Bless you and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
Denny
Well said Denny. It is those who serve and have served that have kept this nation free.
As others have mentioned my NAVFAC 4th of July was in Antigua. A party that lasted from 1 pm Wed till about 8:30 am on Sunday.
The fire works from the PamAm base were great, enhanced by the muddled mind from 3 1/2 days of constant booze. I now have a very different 4 th. family frends and a flag flying freely.
Marshall
My first thoughts of Fourth of July were of barbecues and hanging out at the beach with family and friends.
We decided to watch the first two episodes of HBO's John Adams. For those who have not seen it, the docudrama is a moving depiction of America's journey to Independence. The final scene of the second episode is the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
I am thankful for who I am, from were I came, from were I live, and for what that means. I for one am proud to be an American! Happy Fourth of July - shipmates.
Greetings to all and Happy Independence Day! My family is a bit scattered for this year's 4th but Chris and I spent the day on a 7 1/2 mile canoe trip up the Shenandoah River, near our home here in the Blue Ridge. It was beautiful, peaceful and in the heart of one of the most appealing areas of our country.
I encourage you all to re-read the Declaration sometime and let it absorb you. Another revolution is coming (politically speaking)and intimacy with 1776 is important. I feel so strongly about that that I changed my email address to rescott1776.....just for a vivid, daily reminder.
Best wishes to all!
My first thoughts of Fourth of July were of barbecues and hanging out at the beach with family and friends.
We decided to watch the first two episodes of HBO's John Adams. For those who have not seen it, the docudrama is a moving depiction of America's journey to Independence. The final scene of the second episode is the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
I am thankful for who I am, from were I came, from were I live, and for what that means. I for one am proud to be an American! Happy Fourth of July - shipmates.
I watched the same show on the history channel. I think everyone should try to stick to learning our past because it may come up again. Those that dont learn the mistakes of the past are bound to repeat them is a famous saying that leans towards what our founders said. What were their names, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, and that guy that makes that great tasting beer, Sam Adams.
