As yet another Independence Day draws to a close, it is only fitting to see what some of those who continue to help preserve our independence and who were “not otherwise engaged” did to help us celebrate this Fourth of July.
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, flies over USS Constitution during the ship’s annual turn-around cruise on July 4th as part of the Boston Navy Week 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Billy Ho)
Confetti is sprayed over Sailors and Marines during the 4th of July Parade at Boston Navy Week. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David P. Coleman
Flag detail members unfurl the 15-star flag during a flag-raising ceremony at Naval Station Rota. Naval Station Rota raises the U.S. flag only one day of the year due to limitations set in the Agreement for Defense Cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Spain. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Mikel Bookwalter)
The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters chorus perform with the Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston during Boston Navy Week. (U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Musician Stephen Hassay)
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.