SAN ANGELO, Texas -- Thousands came out to take part in Independence Day celebrations either at the 32nd annual San Angelo Pops Concert and firework show at the Bill Aylor Sr. Memorial River Stage on July 3rd, or July 4th celebration at the Goodfellow Air Force Base Recreation Camp.
The Pops Concert is an annual concert hosted by the San Angelo Symphony to celebrate the independence of America and strengthen relations between San Angelo and Goodfellow.
During the intermission, several key speakers for the concert including San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter and Col. Andres Nazario, 17th Training Wing commander, addressed the crowd.
“I was here in 1997 as a student,” said Nazario. “I was here from 2003 to 2006 as a cadre and I am honored to be back now as the commander of the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow Air Force Base. I am happy to be back and I am happy to renew my relationship with Goodfellow Air Force Base and the community.”
During the first half of the concert, the Goodfellow Honor Guard presented the colors and service members carried state flags representing the 50 states.
“It suffices to say that about 243 years ago some pretty great guys risked their lives, fortunes and sacred honors to found this nation,” said Nazario. “The world has turned over many times since then but the United States has never ceased to be a force for good in it. So let’s celebrate that and recommit to that. So God bless San Angelo and God bless the United States of America.”
As night fell, the symphony played "The Stars and Stripes Forever" to a fireworks display reaching a final crescendo to ensure the event went out with a bang.
The following day, Goodfellow hosted an Independence Day event for base personnel, family members and guests including music, food and fireworks, hosted by the 17th Force Support Squadron, to wrap up the holiday weekend.
Several base organizations provided entertainment including a dunk tank, bounce house and several other family-friendly activities.