In Cumberland County, North Carolina, where history echoes with the booms of the Howitzer Cannon and the spirit of freedom resonates in every corner, lies Fort Liberty. The surrounding communities were recognized over a decade ago as one of the most patriotic in the United States. In the ensuing years, this reputation has not diminished. 
The full impact of their patriotism will be on display this coming Independence Day weekend, as Fort Liberty once again hosts “4th at the Fort,” an event that is free and open to the public and is expected to be their biggest Independence Day celebration yet. Taking place on June 29, 2024, the public is invited to join them at 1500 Howell Street for the return of a longtime favorite. 
While the country at large takes its observation of Independence Day very seriously, the celebration at Fort Liberty, the largest military base in the United States, is not just an event; it’s a 55-year tradition woven into the fabric of the community. Each year, locals and visitors gather to honor the nation’s birth in a spectacle that encapsulates the essence of American pride and unity. For Veterans, the holiday takes on a special meaning.
For Dan Garcia, a Veteran formerly stationed at Fort Liberty, Independence Day reminds him there is a much larger purpose to his life and serving others is a big part of that.
“My air crew relied on me just as much as I relied on them. It was humbling but noble at the same time,” shared Garcia.  Dan served in an Intelligence Unit with the Joint Special Operations Command and feels that the combined civilian and military community surrounding Fort Liberty is special, focused on a singular mission. “It’s tough to beat a community that is filled with people so willing to sacrifice everything for their fellow citizens.”
Amanda Cahill, the special events coordinator for Fort Liberty Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), she is also the action officer for the “4th at the Fort Event.”
“We are expecting a huge turnout this year,” said Cahill. “We are excited to have three big-name performers from three different musical genres, so there will be something for every taste in music.”
Headlining this year’s event is rapper/singer Flo Rida whose breakout single “Low” was number one for 10 weeks in the US.  Alternative/indie rock band Plain White T’s and country music duo Maddie & Tae will also perform, arguably the most popular lineup in Fort Liberty’s history.  
If this isn’t enough, the 82nd Airborne Division Rock Band will be performing and the United States Army Parachute Team, known as the Golden Knights, will conduct a skydiving and parachute demonstration.
Cahill encourages all to attend the “can’t-miss-event of the day,” the Flag Ceremony. “This is one of the most anticipated events, with a traditional flag ceremony featuring service members from all Fort Liberty units, representing all 50 states and US territories. When each state is called out, a cheer goes up and the Howitzer booms out. It is quite a dramatic and memorable experience,” she explained.
The base will open the gates for the celebration at 3:00 p.m. on June 29 and visitors are encouraged to arrive early and expect heavy traffic. Anyone 18 years of age or older will require a military ID or a visitor pass and the public is encouraged to pre-register for the pass.  Between 50,000 to 70,000 visitors have attended in the past and with all the talented performers this year, that number could be even higher.
The event is a boon to the local economy, with vendors selling food and wares and travelers from around the nation coming to watch the fireworks show, where the sky will become a canvas of red, white and blue.
“This event is a reminder that our military service members are deployed around the world protecting our country and securing freedom and liberty, even as we here at home are enjoying those freedoms at the “4th at the Fort” celebration,” said Cahill.
Additional information, including maps, prohibited items and guest access request forms are all available at the Fort Liberty MWR website at www.liberty.armymwr.com. Click on the “4th at the Fort” banner to get all the latest information.