The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Local community plans to ‘Celebrate America’ on July 4

    Downtown Hammond will host a special public event called “Celebrate America” on Friday, July 4 to celebrate American independence, honor veterans and raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. 

    “The Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans injured on the battlefield to readjust to civilian life after their service,” said William Robison, history professor and member of the band Impaired Faculties. “Families will enjoy this because it offers activities, entertainment and food for all ages. Patriotism is something that all Americans share, regardless of age. The opportunity to talk with veterans–some going back to World War II–should appeal to everyone. The same is true of the automobile and military vehicle exhibits. There are also plenty of activities geared specifically to children.”

    The event will also offer a variety of family-oriented entertainment.

    One of the big events of the day will be a 5K run/walk, which will start at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $10 in advance and $15 on race day. All participants will receive a T-shirt. Applications are available at the office of Sam Dileo on 214 West Thomas Street or can be requested online by emailing [email protected]

    A ceremony will be held commemorating the promulgation of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and honoring all American veterans in attendance. The ceremony will start promptly at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Railroad Avenue and West Charles Street. 

    “Celebrate America” will also offer two bands for the audience’s afternoon entertainment. Impaired Faculties, a rock band made up of Southeastern faculty, will perform from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by the band Open Range featuring Guy Parent from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

    “There will be patriotic music, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and ‘God Bless America’ during the opening ceremony,” said Robison. “Impaired Faculties’ function is simply to provide entertainment, so we will perform songs from our regular set list. We are donating our time, playing free of charge, so that more of the proceeds from the event will go to the Wounded Warrior Project, which all of the band members strongly support.” 

    There will also be a variety of food vendors, children’s activities conducted by Louisiana Children’s Discovery Museum staff, a costume contest, an exhibit by the Golden Oldies Car Club and an exhibit of military vehicles by the Steel Soldiers. 

    The event is sponsored by a wide array of businesses, civic groups and individuals in the local community. All proceeds will go to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. 

    To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project, visit their website at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

     

     
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