Photo courtesy of Joy Bote A couple of Bolling youngsters display their pride before the fireworks began at Freedom Fest 2007.

In order to commemorate our deeply-held rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” here are some events that are fun for the whole family and things that make us proud to be American. This is the way Americans throw a party.

Fireworks

To be absolutely clear, fireworks are prohibited on Bolling AFB at all times… even on the Fourth of July! Don’t go trying to sneak in a few sparklers or bottle rockets. You don’t want your Independence Day celebration ruined by a visit from Security Forces.

Leave it to the experts. After all, on Bolling you have a front row, waterside seat to one of the finest fireworks displays in the country right across the river over the Washington Monument.

Freedom Fest

It’s one of the great things about being in the military – we know how to throw a Fourth of July party. Walk on over to Bolling Green Park and avoid the traffic. Bolling brings the July Fourth festivities right to you at Freedom Fest. This free event features endless hours of entertainment, food, drinks and of course, fireworks. Hey, it’s a birthday party.

“It’s a long-standing tradition,” Services Marketing Director Donald “DC” Smith said of the popular July Fourth celebration. “I think people love it because it’s one of those times where they can get together and have a big family picnic. And with the private organizations providing food and drinks, everything is right there in front of you.”

Children will be treated throughout the day to clowns, games, moon bounces, waterslides and a climbing tower. Adults won’t be left out with a performance by the Honor Guard Drill Team and a deejay to round out this all-around family fun day.

Freedom Fest begins at 3 p.m. and lasts up until the fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking will be available at the BX/Commissary parking lots. Bring blankets and chairs for the fireworks show as seating in the park will be limited.

“Last year, I think we had a little over 3,000 people show up and it gets a little more crowded the second half of the day. It’s always best to come early and get a good seat,” Smith suggested. For more information, contact Richard Totten at 202-767-4107.

Parades

If you’re from a small town, a Fourth of July parade might have been the biggest thing ever to hit your town’s Main Street. Floats filled with veterans waving their flags and the high school band playing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” certainly sums up the holiday for many Americans. It’s no different in the big city. For those of you anxious to venture away from the base this holiday, the National Mall and surrounding downtown areas rolls out their finest for the Fourth.

The National Independence Day Parade kicks off the holiday in Washington, D.C., at 11:45 a.m. each year. Beginning at Constitution Avenue and ending on 17th Street, the parade features a fife and drums corps, floats, drill teams and military units. This is one of our nation’s oldest ways to celebrate.

Concerts

Everyone loves music. Even the founding fathers would have turned out for a great outdoor concert. A Capitol Fourth, a free concert beginning at 8 p.m. on the West Lawn of the Capitol, features music from the 1980s era band Huey Lewis and the News, “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks, “Great Balls of Fire” singer Jerry Lee Lewis, Broadway performer Brian Stokes Mitchell, Hayley Westenra and Harolyn Blackwell with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel. This year’s host for the event is actor Jimmy Smits. While you don’t need tickets, it’s best to get there early. Admittance to the grounds begins at 3 p.m.

If you don’t feel like braving the crowds of revelers, you can watch the concert from the comfort of your favorite armchair. The show will be broadcast on television. Check your local guide for show times and channels.

So, whether you stick close to Bolling or venture out into our capital city, remember it’s the celebration of our nation’s birth. Party like it’s 1776.