Eielson, Wainwright to celebrate July 4 at Pioneer Park Published July 2, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Pioneer Park will host a July 4 celebration with guests from the local area, Eielson and Fort Wainwright taking part. Festivities begin at noon on the S.S. Nenana for an expected crowd of more than 4,000 visitors. Ann Secrest and Mike Shultz will start off the ceremony with opening remarks, shortly after the joint color guard, comprised of Airmen from Eielson and Soldiers from Fort Wainwright, presents the colors for the national anthem. Guest speakers include Brig. Gen. Mark Graper and Col. Timothy Jones, Eielson and Fort Wainwright commanders respectively, as well as Representative Scott Kawaski, local mayors and community leaders. The patriotic celebration is highlighted by state-by-state recognition as Soldiers and Airmen from Fort Wainwright and Eielson display flags from all 50 states during the salute to the states. Mr. Allen Shaw, the Pioneer Park 4th of July chairperson and acting Pioneer Park Manager, said that military participation in this event is key. "The Fourth of July is a day that we celebrate our freedoms and without our veterans, and active duty military we wouldn't have those freedoms," said Mr. Shaw. The Pioneer Park celebration has always been an opportunity to bring the local communities and the military together to celebrate independence, he said. Since the event's inception, over 21 years ago, the military has always been ready to provide whatever support they are able to. "On Independence Day we celebrate the birth of America--a nation that has stood for freedom, "said Staff Sgt. Shad Eidson, NCO in charge of community relations and a ceremony committee member. "We are a nation that sends our young people to fight for the liberties of millions of people around the world. During the annual ceremony, we not only salute America and all veterans, we salute our local community who support us through our trials."