LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The smell of burgers and sun-block lotion have quickly become common scents around Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., as the summer season sets in. Mix in the distinctive sound of fireworks, and the thought of Independence Day comes to mind.
Although most offices around the base are scheduled to close, the community is far from inactive this year.
Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism will celebrate Independence Day with its 4th of July Stars in the Sky event, July 4, at Victory Landing Park, Va. The celebration begins at 7 p.m., with free children's rides, including giant slides, moon bounces and
obstacle courses.
Williamsburg
For those yearning to feel the excitement of the nation's birth, Yorktown and Williamsburg, Va. are scheduled to hold events to honor American history.
Colonial Williamsburg's Independence Day celebration will begin with a morning militia muster at 10 a.m., July 4, in the Revolutionary City. A dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence is scheduled for noon on the west side of the Capitol. The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band will perform at 6 p.m. in Market Square and a fireworks display will take place at 9:30 p.m.
Yorktown
In Historical Yorktown, people of all ages can enjoy the 33rd annual Fourth of July Celebration. The festivities include a parade, 8K run and 5K walk, bell-ringing ceremony, orchestral music and, of course, a fireworks display over the York River.
Fort Eustis is scheduled to hold a 50-cannon Salute to the Nation at noon, July 4, at Seay Plaza, Va. The Fort Eustis Honor Guard will also be present during the Yorktown parade.
Pink Floyd fans and Sci-Fi enthusiasts alike will revel in the joy of the Virginia Living Museum's Spirit of America Laser Display at the Abbitt Planetarium July 4. The show will rock the patriotism of attendees; mixing together classic patriotic tunes with the sound of rock 'n' roll.
July is characterized by not only the festivities, but often the number of accidents caused by fireworks and heat exhaustion.
Anybody looking to go on the run in Yorktown or take their kids to the 4th of July Stars in the Sky event should be aware of the heat, said Bob Longworth, chief of safety for Langley AFB, and his staff. Make sure water is included among all of the sodas and Slurpies, and get out of the sun and into a cooler location when the signs of heat exhaustion arise.
Heat from the sun is dangerous, but heat from an exploding entertainment device is equally, if not more, dangerous.
"Fireworks are a large attraction, but they are still explosives," said Joe Novack, senior safety specialist 633rd Air Base Wing safety office.
Carefully read any directions printed on the packaging before letting off that roman candle or even giving a child a sparkler. Never forget; when you play with fire, you will get burned.
Also, check local laws before purchasing enough firepower to put the F-22 Raptor to shame.
According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, the laws for fireworks are as follows:
· Firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes and other fireworks which explode, travel laterally, rise into the air or fire projectiles into the air are prohibited for consumer use.
· These fireworks are legal for use, however; operators must have a display permit and proper insurance paperwork.
Across JBLE, however; fireworks of any kind are illegal.
For more information on Virginia firework laws, visit http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/fireworks.shtml.
Basic awareness and foresight can protect against any misdemeanors and prevent individuals from not participating in celebrating our freedom.