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Shaw's July 4 celebration draws 10,000s

  • Published
  • By Airman Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  More than 30,000 people from the Shaw and Sumter communities gathered at Dillon Park here July 4 to celebrate freedom and the birth of this nation.

The July 4 celebration used to take place on the Shaw Air Force Base flight line up until 9/11. After 9/11 the event was moved to Dillon Park in Sumter.

"We take the opportunity whenever we can, to partner with the community to hold an event like this," said Lt. Col. Dalian Washington, 20th Force Support Squadron commander. "It helps strengthen our community relations".

The city provided a support system for Shaw by bringing tents, tables, security, pavilions and emergency medical services, while the 20th FW took care of the labor of the event through contracting out food and rides.

The U.S. Air Force Blue Aces band performed throughout the event and the Jammin' July Fourth concluded with a fireworks display which arranged by Team Shaw.