MCCS Lejeune-New River Delivers with Annual July 4th Event
Under the stunning North Carolina sky, more than 35,000 people flocked to the Camp Lejeune * Marine Raiders 4th of July Celebration presented by Guild Mortgage yesterday. This year's celebration turned the installation into a vibrant hub of festivity and music. The event promised an epic celebration, and it certainly delivered with memorable performances and a dazzling fireworks finale.
"We're committed to supporting the military community, and events like this allow us to express our gratitude. Seeing the joy on the faces of service members and their families as they enjoyed the music, festivities, and fireworks was deeply moving," said Sarah Wiltgen, Assistant Chief of Staff, MCCS MCIEAST. "It reminds us of the freedoms we cherish and those who defend them. Today is more than just an event for us; it's our way of saying 'thank you' to the men and women who serve our country. An event of this magnitude requires tremendous effort, and I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the individuals, volunteers, and sponsors who made it possible. Their dedication and support are invaluable – we simply couldn't do it without them."
The musical performances kicked off with the 2D Marine Division Band on the stage, and later among the crowd as they roamed W.P.T. Hill Field playing patriotic and popular hits. Vertical Horizon followed on the stage, captivating the audience with melodic rock hits like "Everything You Want" and "You're a God." Closing out the night's performances, headliner Sugar Ray took the stage for a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. Frontman Mark McGrath's charisma and the band's nostalgic hits transported the crowd back in time, with classics like "Fly," and "Every Morning." From start to finish, the high-energy performances kept the crowd dancing, singing along, and creating unforgettable memories. It was a high-energy show, leaving long-time fans in awe and newcomers converted.
James David jumped in his RV and drove all the way from Jacksonville, Arkansas to reunite with his Marine brother, Ed Thiel, at the event. "We served together at Camp Lejeune 23 years ago and I saw it online and decided to take a road trip. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the show and reunite with my buddy on our old stomping grounds," he said.
As night fell, the crowd gathered for the grand finale—a 30-minute fireworks show that lit up the night sky with brilliant colors and created the perfect ending to an unforgettable day. The entire day was a powerful tribute to the spirit of independence and a reminder of what it means to be free.
This event was sponsored by Marine Raiders, Guild Mortgage, GEICO Military, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program. MCCS sponsors. No federal or DoD endorsement implied.