Bright bursts of red, white and blue fireworks lit the cloudy skies over Fort Stewart’s Cottrell Field Thursday at the Salute to the Nation Independence Day celebration.
Crowds gathered to watch the traditional fireworks display as well as Fort Stewart’s cannon salute to the nation. Cannons fired 58 times, once for each state and territory. Flags of the nation’s 50 states and her eight territories were displayed on the field next to the 3rd Infantry Division band, which played patriotic songs throughout the night.
“The ceremony gives us a chance to pause and reflect on our 237 years as a nation,” said Col. Kevin F. Gregory, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander. “We can stop and think about what that means to be an American.”

Read full story in July 6 issue of the Bryan County News.