Camp Lejeune cancels Fourth of July celebration

Camp Lejeune officials announced Tuesday that Fourth of July events for the public will be canceled this year because of federal budget cuts.

Posted 4:45 p.m. May 7, 2013 — Updated 4:51 p.m. May 7, 2013

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Camp Lejeune officials announced Tuesday that Fourth of July events for the public will be canceled this year because of federal budget cuts.

While there will be no fireworks display, the Marine base plans to have free activities on the holiday for active-duty personnel, veterans, retirees and their family members. The activities include golf, bowling, skeet shooting, archery and free movies at the base theater, according to a news release from the base. Marina and other recreational fees will be waived that day.

The announcement follows a similar one from Fort Bragg in April, when post officials said they also canceled Fourth of July because of money woes. The event at Fort Bragg has drawn more than 50,000 people since it began 30 years ago, but officials said they could not afford the $120,000 in overtime costs for the celebration this year.

Camp Lejeune leaders did not specify how much savings would come from nixing this year’s Fourth of July.

“Our continued support to the operating forces, our Wounded Warriors and our families always comes first,” Brig. Gen. Thomas Gorry said in a statement. “I didn’t make this decision lightly as I understand how important this event is to our service members and the local community, but canceling it will allow us to use all available resources to ensure we can mitigate the fiscal challenges we are currently facing.”

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