Thousands celebrate freedom at Sound of Independence

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hayden Hyatt
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Nearly 3,500 people sampled various foods, marched in a flag parade and viewed a fireworks display in observance of the Fourth of July during the 17th Annual Sound of Independence at the Hurlburt Field Marina June 29.

Weeks of preparation by the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron along with various booster clubs and private organizations went into the free event for Air Commandos and their families.

"The event has been absolutely phenomenal," said Lt. Col. Derrick Floyd, commander of 1st SOFSS. "The 1st SOFSS is all about family, and for everybody to be able to come out and celebrate has made it a wonderful event this year."

According to Floyd, the two to three months of planning and support from Team Hurlburt, Eglin and all kinds of sponsors paid off.

"It really extends past the gates," he said. "Our community and Team Hurlburt really came out and supported us."

The event began with the presentation of the colors by the Hurlburt Field Honor Guard and the playing of the national anthem. Organizers then formed a flag parade in which event attendees received American flags and paraded around the event.

"This is the beginning of a good weekend for us to take a break and unwind a little bit," said Col. Jim Slife, commander of 1st Special Operations Wing. "Independence day is of course very special to us in the military, so I'd ask you to reflect about what this holiday is about over the next few days."

Senior Airman Kevin Martinez, a structures journeyman with 823rd RED HORSE squadron, participated in the festivities along with his wife Nicky and their son Aiden.

"It's great to spend time with friends," Nicky Martinez said. "It's good for the kids, and there's a lot for them to do."

After visiting the activity area, families could sample fruit kabobs, pizza, barbeque and hot dogs or purchase souvenirs from various private organization booths.

"I liked the bounce house," Aiden said," It was fun."

Volunteers like Airman 1st Class Antwain Parker, a crew chief from the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, helped out by putting away the bounce house and cleaning after the event.

"It's about making sure they have a good time and everybody's a winner," Parker said.

The evening ended with a 20 minute fireworks extravaganza display over the waters of the sound, kicking off the holiday weekend.