FORT SILL, Okla_The nation's 236th birthday celebration kicked off early this morning on Fort Sill. The Post paid tribute to all 50 states with a 50-gun salute and hundreds of soldiers, who along with their families and friends attended the ceremony many decked out in their red, white, and blue best.
There was plenty of patriotism in front of McNair hall today as many young and old took time to remember what the nation's independence not only means for the United States but for them personally as well.
"Our colors mean a lot of things and it's very individual. A lot of people have strong emotions about the colors for various reasons. It stands for freedom, it stands for liberty and it stands for someone they love that didn't make it back home. So our nation's colors are special just like our nation," Fort Sill Commander Major General Mark McDonald said.
On the country's 236th birthday soldiers, kids, veterans and lawmakers crowded the lawn outside McNair Hall to celebrate that freedom. Mostly they celebrated our independence, something soldiers have been battling to uphold for over two centuries.
"236 years that's a long time and it started back when our forefathers had a vision and that vision was independence from tyranny. That's what's it's all about and for 236 years our army has made it strong." Participant Mike Dooley said.
All 50 state flags were raised, too. Each one announced in the order it joined the union, along with the state's nickname.
"It was a great celebration. Compared to European countries we are not an old country. We are the greatest country on the earth right now and we're fortunate enough to be living in it and having the opportunity to enjoy and the fruits of that liberty," McDonald said.
Those freedoms are still being challenged to this day. U.S. soldiers are putting their lives on the front lines overseas.
"This war that we're in now while it's much smaller in size it's much more complex. There is a faction out there that is trying to change the complexion of this country. I'm just glad we've got young women and men who will stand up and defend us," McDonald said.
