4th of July at Grafenwoehr, Germany

Photo By Spc. Nathaniel Gayle | Hundreds of service members, families and Department of Defense employees watch as beautiful fireworks explode over the Parade Field during Independence Day celebration at Grafenwoehr, Germany, July 4, 2021. Independence Day commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Nathaniel Gayle)  

GRAFENWOEHR, BY, GERMANY

07.04.2021

Story by Pfc. Jacob Bradford 

7th Army Training Command

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Service members, families, volunteers and Department of Defense employees celebrated at the Parade Field during Independence Day celebration at Grafenwoehr, Germany July 4, 2021.

Two abandoned cars sat on the outer edge of the PX parking lot. The first event held was a car smash sponsored by Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS). The strongest warriors on the planet were equipped with sledgehammers and allowed unlimited swings on either unassuming vehicle.

“This car smash is a good event for soldiers and families to gather around and do something they normally don’t get to do,” said Sgt. Robert Patton, BOSS president from HHC, USAG Bavaria. “All the events today are entirely free for the families and soldiers of Grafenwoehr and Vilseck.”

The parade field held a mainstage with live music, several bouncy houses, activities for people of all ages and several food and drink vendors. There was a cornhole tournament set up by the United Service Organization (USO).

“We’re trying to bring a little bit of home for the soldiers and their families,” said James Joyce, center manager of Camp Auchen USO. “Cornhole, dunk booths and fireworks are all ways that we as Americans celebrate.”

The celebration ended with an excellent display of fireworks enjoyed by the cheering crowd. This night made all those who attended feel at home despite being thousands of miles away.

• Date Taken: 07.04.2021
• Date Posted: 07.09.2021 03:01
• Story ID: 400349
• Location: GRAFENWOEHR, BY, DE