Celebrating freedom

Published July 6, 2007
By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Whether we know it or not, we celebrate freedom every day. We watch movies, go the grocery store, have a place to hang our hats when the day is done. These are things done on a daily basis which, in many ways, demonstrate that we are free.

The one day dedicated to rejoicing in our freedom is a time to not only practice our freedom, but to acknowledge it, admire it, and be thankful for those who are willing to fight for what we have.

Hundreds of spectators crowded around the Lilac Bowl stage in the park to enjoy camaraderie, live music and the veteran's presentation in celebration of Independence Day and Neighbor Day.

The colors were presented during the veteran's presentation and the announcer asked members of each service to stand while their official song was played.

"Off we go into the wild blue yonder" was surely a line in many heads, as there were a number of Air Force servicemembers and veterans present.

Staff Sgt. Rebecca Miller, 92nd Maintenance Squadron, sang the national anthem, and then the crowd's attention was turned to the crisp blue skies.

As Capt. Anthony Mariapain, 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, sent a message to the throng of people from the aircraft, a KC-135 Stratotanker flew over the park from the east with a rushing roar. That was a 50-year-old aircraft, said Col. Thomas Sharpy, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, during his Neighbor Day speech in the park.

"The aircraft provides the bridge of freedom and the bridge of life," he said, referring to the aircraft's support in overseas missions and evacuation capabilities. The commander acknowledged the great support of the community and provided some background on the base and its mission.

The base has 34 KC-135s supporting operations throughout the world including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Nobel Eagle, he said. There are between 250 and 500 Fairchild Airmen deployed at any time to Afghanistan and Iraq, said the colonel.

"This celebration is all about freedom," said the colonel. "Independence Day is a special day for those of us who wear the uniform.

"Let us not forget that freedom is not free ... Continue to support those troops and to continue to support Fairchild Air Force Base," he said.

After the commander's appearance, there was a presentation by the Spokane Tribe of Indians, more music and entertainment, and fireworks to conclude the holiday.