MCLB-Albany helps kick off Independence Day celebration

MCLB-ALBANY — The Independence Day weekend festivities in Albany kicked off on Friday with the help of Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany at its annual holiday celebration.

“The Independence Day celebration is a reminder of all the sacrifices our military (has made),” said Juan Escovar, a safety specialist at MCLB-Albany. “It’s a day to appreciate freedom.

“I want everyone to come together as a community. Independence comes with the responsibility of being respectful of your neighbor and caring for each other. One nation under God … that’s still the motto.”

The base’s celebration is one that traditionally brings in thousands from the community. Navy Hospital Corpsman Chief Eric Jackson, who has been attached to the installation for four months, was eager during the early hours of Friday’s event to see what the response would be given the reception he has gotten since he first came to Albany.

“People are really glad we are here,” he said. “I don’t remember the last time I paid for a meal (since I have been here). I truly appreciate being here. I think the community is awesome.”

Jackson said he has been in the military 21 years, giving him the opportunity to be in a number of places. At this time last year, he was celebrating the Fourth of July on the Pacific Ocean.

“I’d much rather be on American soil, celebrating it here, but I’ll do it either way,” Jackson said.

Marine Corps Police Chief Randy Jack and his department have the task of making the annual base event a safe one, and also making sure there are working dog demonstrations, which have drawn big crowds in recent years.

“This is an annual event supported by all the base commanders past and present,” he said. “It is a chance to interface with the community on a social basis.”

Jack said the people who attend the celebration are usually very cooperative with the guidance set forth by the installation and that the celebration is always a nice opportunity to bring children out.

“It is gratifying to have (as much) community outreach as we do,” the police chief said.

The public came in through the installation’s main gate at 4 p.m. to find food vendors, children’s attractions and static displays already open. Musical performances followed, along with military working dog demonstrations and remarks from MCLB Commanding Officer Col. James C. Carroll.

Evening colors occurred shortly before 9 p.m. The event concluded with a fireworks show after sunset.

Also on Friday, the Flint River Roll group bicycle ride took place from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Albany Welcome Center. On Saturday evening, “Music in the Park” included an appearance from “American Idol” Ruben Studdard, along with The Craig Lewis Band and area bands at the Veterans Park Amphitheater.

Festivities will continue at sundown today with a showing of “Hotel Transylvania 2” during “Movies in the Park” at Riverfront Park.

On Monday, the city will host its own fireworks celebration at the Broad Avenue bridge. Activities will take place in the riverfront area all day, including live music in the Veterans Park Amphitheater from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The fireworks show, which will include both overhead and ground-level displays, will follow and last about 35 minutes.