Fourth of July

Lt. Col. Damian Schlussel, 31st Security Forces commander, prepares to hit a softball during the Chiefs vs. Eagles game, July, 4, 2014, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The chiefs and first sergeants teamed up to play against base leadership in softball for bragging rights. The Eagles defeated the Chiefs, 8 to 4. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman)

Fourth of July

Children participant in a watermelon eating competition during the Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 2014, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The joint celebration gave Italians a unique opportunity to experience a little piece of America through food, community and celebrating our Independence Day. (U.S Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman)

Fourth of July

Col. J. Scott Calder, 31st Medical Group commander, runs through red powder during the “Firecracker Color Run,” July 4, 2014, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The day kicked off with a golf tournament, a “Firecracker Color Run” and the annual Chiefs vs. Eagles softball game. (U.S Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman

Fourth of July

“Electric Youth,” a musical group from Franklin School for the Performing Arts, performs during the Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 2014, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The joint celebration gave Italians a unique opportunity to experience a little piece of America through food, community and celebrating our Independence Day. (U.S Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman)

US, Italy join for Independence Day celebration

Published July 8, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The 31st Fighter Wing hosted approximately 4,000 American and Italian family members for an Independence Day celebration July 4 at Freedom Park on Area F.

The day kicked off with a golf tournament, a "Firecracker Color Run" and the annual Chiefs vs. Eagles softball game.

"The annual 4th of July celebration is a great family event for the entire Aviano community. One of the great traditions is the Eagles vs. Chiefs softball game," said Col. Harry Lane, 31st Mission Support Group commander. "Although the Chiefs made a valiant effort, in the end the Eagles proved too much and dominated the Chiefs 8 to 4."

After a day of friendly competition, the base opened its gates and treated the local community to an evening filled with entertainment, a car show, food, kid's activities, and a 25-minute firework display.

"Americans living at Aviano are completely submerged into Italian culture and it is nice to share our American traditions with our Italian family," said Katie McGill, 31st Force Support Squadron Community Center program assistant. "We wanted to show our appreciation for sharing their beautiful country with us."

The joint celebration gave Italians a unique opportunity to experience a little piece of America through food, community and celebrating our Independence Day.

"It's a good interaction between Italians and American people," said Aliza Mazzocco, local vendor. "It is a way for people to socialize and understand the different cultures. Coming on base and seeing how important this day is to American people, is a cool experience."

Throughout the night, Italian and American cultures merged. Local Italians not only celebrate, but had the opportunity to perform. The Pordenone band, "Mood Dance," and "Electric Youth," a Franklin School for the Performing Arts group from Boston, shared the stage to entertain the large crowd.

"The Fourth of July is all about celebrating our independence with family," said McGill. "And being in Aviano we have two families, our Italian and American families."