Fanfare for the Fourth

The 10th Independence Day Celebration at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum was filled with games, history lessons and fireworks

By: Christen Beck

Posted: 7/6/09

The crowd drew their cameras out and clapped and hollered as four F-15 jets flew over the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Saturday afternoon. Simultaneously, a group of Boy Scouts posed in front of the museum with American and Texas flags anchored beside them as patriotic music played in the background.

It was the Fourth of July in College Station, and Saturday marked the 10th Independence Day celebration at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Around 3,000 visitors toured the museum during the celebration, said Bush Library and Museum Director Warren Finch. He said there were about 6,000 people on the grounds, and 15,000 to 20,000 people lined up to enjoy the 20-minute firework display that evening.

The library began coordinating the event a year ago, and next year's July 4 plans are already under way, said Finch.

"We just love it," Finch said. "We think it's a great partnership to have a Fourth of July celebration at a presidential library."

The Bush library promotes civic literacy, Finch said.

"You learn about your country on the Fourth of July," he said.

Free of charge, visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the nation's history, including President George H.W. Bush's role in WWII, Finch said. Currently, the exhibit features the space program.

To accommodate thousands of guests, Finch said that the museum implemented the help of 30 to 40 volunteers, many of whom were dressed as American figures.

Anne Hays has volunteered at the Bush Library on July 4 for the past 10 years. She has contributed over 4,000 volunteer hours to the Bush library. This year Hays dressed as an astronaut in honor of the space program's upcoming 40th anniversary. Hays was the only one willing to wear an orange space suit, she said with a laugh, because she's a "t-sip."

She said her love of history and the fun of the event were reasons why she continually participates at Bush library events.

Like Hays, Bruce Miles, another Bush library volunteer, has participated at the Bush library on July 4 since the event's inception. For the past decade Miles, a gentleman who towers well above six feet, has worn a black beard, top hat and 19th century suit.

Although he enjoys conversing with younger children who usually identify him as Abraham Lincoln, Miles said what is amazing for him is teaching foreign students, who may not recognize him as easily, about America's 16th president.

"I believe he's one of our better presidents," Miles said.

Seven-year-old College Station resident Garrett Powell asked to take a picture with Miles. Powell's parents said they were excited to see the museum for the first time on the Fourth of July.

"We heard about it on TV," said Garrett's mom, Olivia Powell. "We've been wanting to see the library, and hear about the exhibit. We're real excited about celebrating the Fourth of July here, and see the fireworks."

When mother asked son to choose a favorite character of historical importance, other than Darth Vader, Powell said, "I guess Teddy [Roosevelt]."

Paul Wooderson, of Brownsville, Texas, said he was also excited about seeing the Bush Library for the first time.

"It's incredible, looking back at some of the events that took place during the presidency," the middle school choir teacher said. "For me, it's a good reminder of the events that took place that I can share with my kids. It's a great way for us to teach them history."

It was more memorable for his two young kids, ages eight and 11, to learn American history on Independence Day, said Wooderson.

"Sometimes we forget what American history means for us," said Wooderson. "Because you get complacent in your life and forget that there were a lot of things and sacrifices that had to take place in order for us to be where we are today."

As a naturalized citizen originally from Mexico, Wooderson said that the Fourth of July is special to him.

Wooderson said he enjoyed "being able to look more and more at the history of the country and see all the things that have brought this nation to where it is today, so that I can enjoy the freedoms that I probably would not have had growing up in Mexico.

"That's a double blessing for me to be able to come and learn about the country that I call my own country now," he said. "It's exciting."