MCRD PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Americans have numerous ways they enjoy celebrating Independence Day, from going out on boats, to watching parades and sometimes just staying in.
Though most Americans prefer going out to celebrate the Fourth of July, some prefer to take time to think about our country’s history and thank those who have fought for our freedom.
“The Fourth of July should be to remember all the servicemembers before us, the great things they did and to celebrate the fact that we live in a great country,” said Pfc. Larkeith Jones, an administrative clerk at the Installation Personnel Administration Center.
Parris Island held a celebration for the Fourth of July on the Peatross Parade Deck and offered everything from refreshments to a concert and fireworks show.
Children’s activities and concession stands offering free food and beverages surrounded the parade deck.
The Parris Island Marine Band performed for the crowd in the center of the parade deck, playing “Stars and Stripes Forever” as the fireworks began bursting.
“I enjoy it every time the band plays. It gives me a good feeling and makes me wish I knew how to play an instrument,” said Jones, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“I think we did a really good job,” said Cpl. Greg Richmond, a tuba player for the Depot Band. “For a lot of people who come to see us play, it’s their first time seeing the Parris Island Marine Band, let alone any Marine Corps band. I feel we did a good job representing the Marine Corps and ourselves.”
Children spent the evening in the bounce house, getting their faces painted and even dunking their parents in the dunk tank.
Adults who were not taking impromptu swimming lessons had a chance to kick back and relax.
“I saw a lot of folks just smiling, a lot of families were relaxing; it looked like everyone was just having a good time,” said Richmond, of Lawrenceville, Ga.
Around 9 p.m., when darkness fell, everyone started settling down to watch the fireworks.
The bright display was set up behind the All-Weather Training Facility, offering a great view for everyone from the parade deck to Headquarters and Service Battalion’s barracks. A variety of fireworks were displayed for about a half hour.
“The smiley face firework was my favorite kind,” said Tedman Yonash, a 6th grader, who has lived on Parris Island for four years.
“The fireworks were my favorite part of the night, it was a great show. There were lot’s of ‘ooh’s, ahh’s’ and rounds of applause,” Jones added.
Thousands of people, civilians and servicemembers, came together to celebrate American independence aboard the training Depot that has helped ensure our country is free, for more than 200 years.