FORT BARFOOT, Va. –
Fort Barfoot personnel and citizens from across the region attended an Independence Day fireworks celebration July 2, 2024, at the historic Blackstone Army Airfield and Allan C. Perkinson Airport near Blackstone, Virginia. The event was held in partnership with the Blackstone Chamber of Commerce and other local community organizations.
The event marked the return of fireworks to the installation for the first time in 18 years, according to Col. James C. Shaver Jr., the Fort Barfoot garrison commander.
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t take the time to thank the Blackstone Chamber of Commerce for leading the charge on this venture,” said Shaver during his event-opening remarks. “It’s been talked about for a number of years, but it finally took on the planning and coordination to bring it to fruition.”
Before the fireworks display, Shaver opened the festivities with a blank fire shot from a towed 75mm salute howitzer hauled by an M151A2 Jeep. The airfield also showcased static displays of military equipment, provided by units stationed at Fort Barfoot and the surrounding area, including the 34th Civil Support Team, the Fort Barfoot Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site, Fort Barfoot Fire and Emergency Services and the Blackstone-based 3647th Maintenance Company.
In addition, the Virginia Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion provided a display and an inflatable slide for kids.
During his remarks, Shaver provided historical perspectives on the Independence Day holiday as well as the Virginia National Guard, Fort Barfoot and the airfield.
“What a better way to commemorate the birth of the nation than to join the military that helps keep it the greatest country in the world,” said Shaver. “The Virginia Army National Guard has been doing that in some form or fashion since 1607 with Captain John Smith and the founding of Jamestown.
“And it’s not the greatest country in the world because we’re perfect. It’s the greatest because we continue to follow the principles outlined by the founding fathers on this very day 248 years ago,” he added, noting that the Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 2 before being adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4.
He also highlighted the positive relationship the installation has with the surrounding community.
“We enjoy a great relationship, and we are very thankful and proud of that. That is not always the case around military installations,” said Shaver. “From our Army Compatible Use Buffer Program that has protected over 22,000 acres of farms, forests, and other critical natural and historic resources with help from the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation,
to opportunities to host events like this and serve as an economic engine for the region, we are proud to be your neighbor.”
After Shaver’s remarks, the Vietnam Veterans of America provided a color guard for the playing of the national anthem. Fireworks commenced a short time later for the gathered spectators.
Read more about Fort Barfoot at https://ngpa.us/25024.