Joint base cancels Fourth of July celebration Published May 20, 2013 By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst's annual Fourth of July celebration has been officially canceled due to the current fiscal constraints. The annual celebration - featuring static displays, entertainment and a fireworks show - provided the joint base with an opportunity to show our appreciation to the surrounding communities and celebrate the birth of our great nation. It also provided the joint base with an opportunity to highlight the active-duty, reserve and guard service members of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard who ensure total force integration by training, supporting and sustaining global contingency operations from the joint base. The decision to cancel the event follows the Department of Defense's recent announcement requiring most civilian employees to be furloughed beginning in July. The joint base relies heavily on the expertise the civilian workforce brings to the table. In this instance, the Fourth of July celebration would require extensive resources and the support of the joint base's civilian employees to host the event. The cancellation also follows a number of other cancellations of military open houses, airshows, flyovers, orientation flights, and service aerial demonstration team performances from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, and many others. The joint base encourages community members interested in learning more about the nation's only tri-service joint base to contact the Joint Base Public Affairs Office for information on limited opportunities to schedule a windshield or base tour. Contact the Joint Base Public Affairs Office at (609) 754-2104 for additional information.