Editor: This is an open letter to Fort Stewart’s top commander and leadership team.

On behalf of the civilian, military and military retiree families, thank you for allowing the Fourth of July festivities on Fort Stewart.  

My family and I have enjoyed these concerts and firework displays over the many years we have lived here in Hinesville.  We are proud of our soldiers, past and present, who serve and enjoy celebrating our country’s special holiday with them. It is something we have looked forward to every Fourth of July since 1984.  

My kids, who are in their 20s, have grown up watching the various R & B, rap, country, pop rock and rock groups perform through the many years since they were toddlers. These events are great morale boosters, not only for my family, the City of Hinesville, and Liberty and Long Counties, but also for the entire southeast Georgia region. My family was saddened when these evets were cancelled during the last four or five years. For us, it was an important family gathering. It brought a tear to my eye to be able to enjoy these July 4th events again with my family, one more time!  

I know that these events take a lot of planning, hard work and dedication. Thanks to all your staff, the sponsors and all the volunteers that helped make this a very special event. Also a big thank you to the bands that performed, Jagged Edge, LOCASH and 3 Doors Down, for taking time from their busy schedules to come celebrate the 4th of July with Fort Stewart and surrounding area families. Even the rain couldn’t dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm. 

I hope and pray that this will become an annual event. I know for me and my family, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for allowing these concerts and festivities to continue. It is greatly appreciated. 

May God bless you and all the servicemembers who serve our nation. 

Chris Jimenez

Hinesville