Ruby Neiderhauser, five-year-old daughter of Dan and Chelsie Neiderhauser, watches a performance by Electric Youth during Independence Day celebrations at Aviano Air Base July 4. Thousands visited Aviano for the festivities, during which Italians and Americans came together as a community to celebrate freedom and independence. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katherine Windish)
Players in the Chiefs versus Eagles game take the field July 4 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The game is a tradition held during base morale events in which chiefs, colonels, squadron commanders and other honorary participants challenge each other in sporting events. The Chiefs were victorious over the Eagles with a final score of 21-12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez)
Fireworks light up the night sky over Aviano Air Base during Independence Day celebrations held here July 4. Thousands visited Aviano for the festivities, during which Italians and Americans came together as a community to celebrate freedom and independence. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katherine Windish)
Lt. Col. Kenny Smith, 31st Operations Group commander, stands on third base next to Chief Master Sgt. Todd Folks, 31st Maintenance Group chief enlisted manager, at the Chiefs versus Eagles game July 4 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The game is a tradition held during base morale events in which chiefs, colonels, squadron commanders and other honorary participants challenge each other in sporting events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez)
Children dance to a song performed by Electric Youth during Independence Day celebrations at Aviano Air Base July 4. American military members were encouraged to invite Italian friends and neighbors to join in the festivities and more than 400 Italians visited the base during the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katherine Windish)
Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Craver, 31st Fighter Wing command chief, pitches a softball during the Chiefs versus Eagles game July 4 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The game is a tradition held during base morale events in which chiefs, colonels, squadron commanders and other honorary participants challenge each other in sporting events. The Chiefs were victorious over the Eagles with a final score of 21-12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez)
Revelers countdown to the Independence Day firework display during Fourth of July celebrations held at Aviano Air Base. The 31st Force Support Squadron organized the event, which featured music and dance performances by Electric Youth and U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band’s Check Six ensemble; play activities for children, a Chiefs vs. Eagles softball game in the morning; and food vendors, all culminating in the 30-minute fireworks display. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katherine Windish)
by Senior Airman Katherine Windish
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
7/6/2012 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Thousands visited Aviano for the Fourth of July celebrations held here, during which Italians and Americans came together as a community to celebrate freedom and independence.
The 31st Force Support Squadron organized the event, which featured music and dance performances by Electric Youth and U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band's Check Six ensemble; play activities for children, a Chiefs vs. Eagles softball game in the morning; and food vendors, all culminating in a 30-minute fireworks display.
American military members were encouraged to invite Italian friends and neighbors to join in the festivities and more than 400 Italians visited the base during the event.
"I am here with my friend, she brought me here with her to celebrate Independence Day," said Veronica Defranco. "I am having a great time, there's good music, good food, lots of people. I see a lot of Italians here having fun with their American friends."
While children played and adults enjoyed food and company, Brig. Gen. Scott Zobrist also took the time to remember the true reason for the celebrations.
"We're wrapping up a great day of celebrations," said Brig. Gen. Scott Zobrist, 31st Fighter Wing commander. "But please remember that this is all about freedom and the many people who couldn't be here tonight who are far away defending their country."
