George Bush Library hosts community event for July 4th

The annual Fourth of July celebration drew visitors of all ages, with children dressed in red, white and blue enjoying bounce houses while families participated in crafts, free refreshments and community activities throughout the afternoon.

Tracy Paine, George Bush Presidential Library & Museum director of public programs, said they already had more than 1,000 people stop by before noon. 

“We like to think we’re one of the most patriotic places in town. Of course there are others like Veterans Park and the Museum of the American G.I — places like that. But we have volunteers that love this community, and love this country,” Paine said.

“It’s important for us to give back to the community and for them to think about this as a place to come and experience history, spend time with other people, spend time with their family and learn a few things.” 

Paine said the museum was open free of charge throughout the day and encouraged visitors to participate in the Let Freedom Ring ceremony and visit the new "E Pluribus Unum: Celebrating the American Experience" exhibit. 

“At 1 p.m. we’re participating in a nationwide initiative called Let Freedom Ring, so they’re ringing bells all across the nation. We have a bell on the 4141 locomotive at the James A. Baker III Pavilion, so we’ll be ringing that, but we’re also going to be handing out little bells for people to ring at that time,” Paine said.

In addition to the family activities, veteran organizations set up information tables inside the Rotunda to connect with veterans and visitors. 

Shawn Jarnegan, representing Post 159 of the American Legion, said celebrating the holiday while sharing information about the organization made the event extra meaningful. 

“We just want to get out so people can see us, know we’re there, so we can talk to them and let them know they aren’t forgotten,” Jarnegan said.

“Today is about patriotism and the freedom of America, and as veterans, that’s what we all stood for so it’s just great that we can do this today, especially on the 250th anniversary. It’s just awesome. That was the luck of the draw.”

Many attendees spent the afternoon visiting with friends and family while taking part in the patriotic festivities before heading to other Fourth of July events planned throughout the Brazos Valley.

Christi Needham, a first-time attendee, said being at the library with her family and surrounded by members of the community gave her a sense of gratitude. 

“It’s just a recognition of the great things in our country. I think our freedom here is taken for granted, and people get accustomed to such a lavish lifestyle that they forget how good they actually have it here,” Needham said.

“There’s a huge sense of entitlement and ungratefulness in our country, and I just want to take some time to actually celebrate it and make sure my kid understands how lucky he is to be in this country.”

Dora Sanchez, who attended the event for the fourth consecutive year, said the atmosphere is what keeps her coming back. 

Sanchez said in the past she has enjoyed the music and seeing everyone come together, and with the layout of the event changing a bit each year, she’s excited to see what all they do for America 250.

“With it being America 250, it's special. We went to Mass this morning, and we had a spiritual rosary where everyone was recognized as a huge government — It was beautiful,” she said.

“I’m just very humble that everybody recognizes the Fourth of July and the independence of our nation.”