News>American, British communities celebrate Fourth of July
Photos
Hundreds of people gathered on RAF Feltwell July 4 to see the annual fireworks display. The all-day Independence Day celebration consisted of food, games, rides, music and more for military members and the surrounding public. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lausanne Morgan)
Approximately 30,000 people turned out to celebrate Independence Day at RAF Feltwell July 4. The event was open to the British public in order to strengthen relationships between the British and American communities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman David Dobrydney)
Spectators watch as a B-17 Flying Fortress flies past the Independence Day Celebration at RAF Feltwell July 4. Everyone, including civilians and military, were invited to the annual event which included games, live bands, carnival rides and an HH-60 helicopter display from the 56th Rescue Squadron. The event concluded with a fireworks display celebrating 234 years of American independence. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Nathan Gallahan)
Members of the United States Air Forces in Europe band perform the Stevie Wonder hit “So what the fuss” for attendees to the Independence Day at RAF Feltwell July 4. The USAFE band performed a variety of songs throughout the night all the way up until the fireworks display. Left to right, Staff Sgt. Paul Wells, guitar, Staff Sgt. Craig Bowman, vocalist and Staff Sgt. Gene Dooley, trumpet. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eboni Knox)
The crowd was silent for the first time all day at the Independence Day celebration on RAF Feltwell as the fireworks went off. RAF Feltwell welcomed all who wanted to attend the event to come enjoy the festivities. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lausanne Morgan)
by Senior Airman David Dobrydney
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
7/6/2010 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The annual Fourth of July festivities at RAF Feltwell attracted approximately 30,000 people from miles around to enjoy food, fast rides and a fireworks display.
The festival was open to the general British public to help strengthen relationships between the British and American communities.
The festivities are the handiwork of the 48th Force Support Squadron, which works in tandem with their counterparts at the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall.
"This is the premier community event of the year," said RAF Lakenheath Arts & Crafts Director Keith Beaumont, who coordinated the event.
"The 4th of July is an opportunity for everyone to show their appreciation for the military's support throughout the year and enjoy American food and hospitality," said Mr. Beaumont.
On the ground there was plenty to do, including a climbing wall and game booths for the children. Those with enough skill could win goldfish or even a giant stuffed banana.
Entertainment was provided by several bands to include the U.S. Air Forces in Europe band Check Six.
The car and truck show featured many different makes and models of both British and American vehicles, including a contingent from the Corvette Club of the United Kingdom.
"We love the American scene and enjoy meeting like-minded people," said Corvette Club member David Goate, who brought his vintage Corvette to the festivities for the first time this year.
"It's great to see so many people having so much fun," said Mr. Goate.
There was more vintage American iron up in the air, where the historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was joined for the first time by the "Sally B" B-17 Flying Fortress.
The "Sally B" is the only airworthy Flying Fortress in Europe and was a big hit with the crowd.
"Everyone was looking up in awe," said Mr. Beaumont, who wanted to thank the B-17 Preservation Society for bringing the plane to the festivities.
The biggest event of the night, however, was the 30-minute fireworks display.
"It was the best fireworks show I've seen since we've been here," said 12-year old Alexander Campbell, whose family has lived on RAF Lakenheath for the past four years and is preparing to move.
His mother Tanya said, "It was a nice sendoff for the evening."
If you have someone you would like to be considered for Liberty Spotlight, please refer to the Spotlight submission page by clicking here.
NOTE: All submissions must be approved by the commander or first sergeant.
Public Affairs Office
This webpage is maintained by the 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office. For questions about what services we provide, contact us at:
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Unit 5203
APO AE 09461-5203
-----
The public affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. If searching for a phone number on base, please call the base operator.
-----
Calling Base Operator from the continental U.S.:
Comm: 011 44 1638 521 110
DSN: 314-226-1110
-----
Calling Base Operator from within England:
Comm: 01638 521 110
DSN: 226-1110
