This year to mark Independence Day the city of DuPont combined its normal celebration with an operation called We Love Our Military. The event, which has been held earlier in the summer for the past few years, is intended to show the military at neighboring Joint Base Lewis-McChord as well as those who reside in the city and account for 40 percent of the population that the community supports them.

The day, which began with a parade led by the I Corps band and a Stryker holding the parade's grand marshal, acting I Corps commander Maj. Gen. John D. Johnson, was well attended despite the chill in the air.

"Happy Birthday, America!" said DuPont's mayor, Tamara Jenkins, welcoming the crowd to Clocktower Park. "We are happy to have you all here today and hope we can continue to do this for years to come."

"This day says that you love our military," said Maj. Gen. Johnson to thunderous applause. "I can tell you that they love you as well. You have created more than a town or a city for our airmen and soldiers. You have created a home."

Jenkins thanked Col. Thomas H. Tatum, commander of the 6th Military Police Group (CID), which DuPont is paired with through the community connector program, for always partnering with the city. She also mentioned that Wilburn Ross, a Medal of Honor winner and DuPont resident, was in attendance.

Vendors ranged from those specific to the armed services, such as the nonprofit VetsMeetVets, which works to provide veterans with assistance, to local stores that were touting military discounts. Members of the Historic Fort Steilacoom Association were on hand to display artifacts from the Civil War, and the CID soldiers were demonstrating crime scene investigation techniques.

A Stryker, on loan from I Corps, was staffed with members of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, who gave tours to adults and children alike wishing to see it from the inside.

"Being here is a huge honor for me, and we thank you for this day. God bless the city of DuPont and all its citizens," Johnson continued. "And, of course, God bless America."