Lejeune brings in historic act for July 4

Marine Corps Community Services isn't bringing in the big guns this July 4, but they are bringing in the historical ones.

Instead of a nationally acclaimed musical artists, such as Lee Ann Womack who performed at WPT Hill Field last July 4, the 2nd Marine Division Band is the headlining act for Camp Lejeune's 2009 Fourth of July Celebration.

The Crystal Coast Choral Society will also be performing.

"You talk about history and really getting back to what the Fourth of July is about, it's appropriate to have the 2nd Marine Division band. It's kind of our band for this particular day," said Everett Vaughn, marks and brand manager for MCCS, explaining that the band has performed at previous celebrations. "It truly represents the day."

The cost of feature performers was not involved in the decision making, he said.

Music isn't the only item on the agenda, however. Twenty-five Marines, sailors and spouses will also become U.S. citizens during the celebration.

Camp Lejeune will host a naturalization ceremony at 7:30 p.m. to swear in 25 Marines, sailors and spouses from 16 countries, including Cuba, Jamaica, Philippines, Peru, El Salvador, Albania and China, according to a press release from Camp Lejeune.

The 25 are currently legal permanent residents who joined the military before becoming naturalized and are stationed at Camp Lejeune, New River Air Station, Camp Geiger and Cherry Point Air Station.

There will also be children's activities, including inflatables, food vendors and, once dark, fireworks.

"There's no better place to celebrate the fourth of July than aboard Camp Lejeune," Vaughn said.

The celebration is open to the public.

"If they don't have a base pass they'll need to go through the main gate. ... They can just go to the welcome center and get a pass and come down to Holcomb Boulevard and park in the designated areas and have a good time," Vaughn said.

However, Vaughn warns that those planning to attend may want to leave early since they are expecting at least 25,000 guests.

"People need to expect some delays. The event starts at 5, but the fireworks don't start until dark. ... If they want to bring their picnic baskets and eat on the field, we'll have food vendors there, so if they want (they can) come early and enjoy the relaxing time on the field," he said.

While attendees are welcome to bring their own food, alcohol is prohibited.

Contact Amanda Hickey at 910-219-8461 or ahickey@freedomenc.com. Read the Lejeune Deployed blog here.

Camp Lejeune's July 4th celebration at a glance

Time: 5 p.m., fireworks start at dark

Location: WPT Hill Field

Performers: 2nd Marine Division Band and Crystal Coast Choral Society

Features: Children's inflatables, food vendors, music, fireworks and a naturalization ceremony for 25 members of the military.

Prohibited: pets, alcohol, sparklers or personal fireworks.

For more information click here