A celebration of freedom

The Fourth of July is fast approaching with its fireworks, outdoor grilling and a solemn reminder of what it means to be American.

In honor of Independence Day, Kinston and Snow Hill will play host to several events celebrating the nation's birth.

Kinston Indians General Manager Shari Massengill said there will be a professional fireworks show at Grainger Stadium following the team's game against the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

"It's the same company that does our fireworks all year long," she said. "It's just a bigger show than normal."

Those wanting to see the fireworks from inside the stadium should get their tickets soon, Massengill said.

"We're expecting to sell out," she said. "...It should be a good night."

Snow Hill will also be host to a fireworks display, according to Public Works Director Dana Hill.

"This is the second year they've done that," he said.

The event, which should start around 8:30 p.m., is being held at the Rosenwald Memorial Ball Field. The town of Snow Hill has also set aside some money to help with the display, Hill said.

The two fireworks shows are the only ones within The Free Press' coverage area.

Still, fireworks won't be the only display this holiday. Harmony Hall will be host to a naturalization ceremony at 10 a.m. for the fourth year, according to Lenoir Historical Association President Adrian King.

"It's a heartwarming and wonderful event," he said.

Immigrants from nearly 20 countries - from Israel to Panama - will raise their hands and take the oath of citizenship, declaring they will "entirely renounce and abjure" any allegiance to any country but the United States and swear to do whatever it takes to protect the Constitution and the nation.

"There's usually a lot of tears, a lot of smiles, a lot of hugs," King said. "It's just amazing to watch the candidates' reactions as they raise their hands and take that oath of citizenship. It makes you realize how wonderful our country and our freedom is."

King said Harmony Hall was the natural choice for holding naturalization ceremonies because it became the de-facto capitol after the then colony declared itself separate from the British Empire.

"The grounds and the building have such a resonance with freedom and Independence Day that we thought it would quite appropriate to host a naturalization ceremony there," King said.

U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., Lt. Col. Lance Bunch, Free Press Publisher and Editor Patrick Holmes and King will be among the speakers at what has become a regional event, King said.

"It's really become one of those things that a lot of people really look forward to," he said.

Vanessa Clarke Shortley can be reached at (252) 559-1076 or vclarke@freedomenc.com. Check out Vanessa's blog at http://vclarke.encblogs.com.

Fourth of July events:

Kinston:

What: Fireworks

Where: Grainger Stadium

When: After the Kinston Indians game, which starts at 7 p.m.

Cost: $6 for reserved tickets; $5 for general admission seating

Kinston:

What: Naturalization ceremony, with reception to follow

Where: Harmony Hall

When: 10 a.m.

Cost: None

Snow Hill:

What: Fireworks

Where: Rosenwald Memorial Ball Field

When: Around 8:30 p.m.

Cost: None