Photo Galleries

The colors are presented at the start of Saturday's bald eagle release event Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The Carolina Raptor Center facilitated the release of the eagle in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members. John Woods, mayor of Davidson, released the bald eagle, named Liberty. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

The crowd applauds during Saturday's bald eagle release event Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The Carolina Raptor Center facilitated the release of a bald eagle in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members. John Woods, mayor of Davidson, released the bald eagle, named Liberty. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

The colors are presented at the start of Saturday's bald eagle release event Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The Carolina Raptor Center facilitated the release of the eagle in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members. John Woods, mayor of Davidson, released the bald eagle, named Liberty. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

James Houchen, 6, brought an eagle of his own to Saturday's bald eagle release event Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The Carolina Raptor Center facilitated the release of the eagle in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members. John Woods, mayor of Davidson, released the bald eagle, named Liberty. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Zachary Olguin, 10, wears the colors in honor of veterans (his grandfather Glen Snyder is a Navy veteran) at Saturday's bald eagle release event Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The Carolina Raptor Center facilitated the release of an eagle in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members. John Woods, mayor of Davidson, released the bald eagle, named Liberty. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Veteran David Saraceno (Army first lieutenant) and other veterans stand as they are recognized by the crowd during Saturday's bald eagle release event Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The Carolina Raptor Center facilitated the release of an eagle in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members. John Woods, mayor of Davidson, released the bald eagle, named Liberty. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Carter Tison, 7, and mom Christian Tison at Saturday's bald eagle release event Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The Carolina Raptor Center facilitated the release of an eagle in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members. John Woods, mayor of Davidson, released the bald eagle, named Liberty. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Father and son Air Force (both E6 Technical Support) veterans: l-r father Steve Kennedy, in the Reserves at Pope AFB, and son Eric Kennedy, in the Charlotte Natl Guard, at Saturday's bald eagle release event Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The Carolina Raptor Center facilitated the release of an eagle in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members. John Woods, mayor of Davidson, released the bald eagle, named Liberty. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Air Force veteran Eric Kennedy (his father Steve Kennedy, also an Air Force veteran, was also present) at Saturday's bald eagle release event Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The Carolina Raptor Center facilitated the release of an eagle in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members. John Woods, mayor of Davidson, released the bald eagle, named Liberty. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

John Woods, mayor of Davidson,carries Liberty the bald eagle, out for release in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. He was assisted by Ron Clark of the Raptor Center (right). The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

John Woods, mayor of Davidson, releases the bald eagle, Liberty, in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Liberty flies skyward after being released in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

The crowd watches Liberty flying skyward after being released in honor of North Carolina's veterans and fallen service members Saturday July 4 at the McGuire Nuclear station's EnergyExplorium. The bird was brought to the Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day, having been hurt in a fight over territory. Specialists nursed the eagle back to health and prepared the bird, named Liberty, for release. Keynote speaker was Col. Charles Dunn II, of Pope Air Force Base. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

(07.04.2009)--Eileen Rossen, of Mooresville, attends the Charlotte Independence Day Tea Party, a Tea Party tax protest, at Marshall Park on Saturday, July 4, 2009. Rossen came to the event, "to celebrate my freedom, 4th of July and to also make a statement that I want to remain free," Rossen said. "I think our politicians need to know we don't want all of this spending. We want spending cuts." - YALONDA M. JAMES - yjames@charlotteobserver.com

(07.04.2009)--Leah Meacham, 10, sits with an American flag while she attends the Charlotte Independence Day Tea Party, a Tea Party tax protest, at Marshall Park on Saturday, July 4, 2009. Meacham said the 4th of July, "shows how our nation was formed. It's a cool holiday because we're free." - YALONDA M. JAMES - yjames@charlotteobserver.com

(07.04.2009)--Caleb Hanson, 8, of Fort Mill, waves an American flag during the Charlotte Independence Day Tea Party, a Tea Party tax protest, at Marshall Park on Saturday, July 4, 2009. Hanson said he likes the holiday because of fireworks and entertainment. - YALONDA M. JAMES - yjames@charlotteobserver.com

The streets of Elizabeth come alive on July 4, including dressed up dogs and people, flags and Grand Marshall Hardin Minor, (the Charlotte mime). DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

The Elizabeth neighborhood July 4 parade, including dressed up dogs and people, flags and Grand Marshall Hardin Minor, (the Charlotte mime). DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Grand Marshall Hardin Minor, the Charlotte mime, in the Elizabeth neighborhood July 4 parade. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Massie Minor, 23, son of Grand Marshall Hardin Minor, (the Charlotte mime), dressed as Elvis on a bike in the Elizabeth neighborhood July 4 parade. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

L-r Mecklenburg commissioners' chair Jennifer Roberts and husband Manley Roberts wave flags in the Elizabeth neighborhood July 4 parade. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Elizabeth neighborhood July 4 parade, including dressed up dogs and people, flags and Grand Marshall Hardin Minor, (the Charlotte mime). At right on bike is Hardin Minor's son Massie Minor dressed as Elvis. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Elizabeth neighborhood July 4 parade, including dressed up dogs and people, flags and Grand Marshall Hardin Minor, (the Charlotte mime). Holding flags in middle are l-r Mecklenburg commissioners' chair Jennifer Roberts and husband Manley Roberts. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Cousins l-r Miller Baldwin, 20 months, and Lila Gibbs, 15 months, in a flag-decorated wagon in the Elizabeth neighborhood July 4 parade. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Suzanne Beckman on her bike "Iris" in the Elizabeth neighborhood July 4 parade, including dressed up dogs and people, flags and Grand Marshall Hardin Minor, the Charlotte mime, in the lead. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Bonnie Emadi with her cat Rosie ("first ever parade cat) in the Elizabeth neighborhood July 4 parade, including dressed up dogs and people, flags and Grand Marshall Hardin Minor, the Charlotte mime, in the lead. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Massie Minor, 23, son of Grand Marshall Hardin Minor, (the Charlotte mime), dressed as Elvis on a bike in the Elizabeth neighborhood July 4 parade. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

L-r Diamond Wright, 7, and Sayanna McMurray, 8, hold hands as they slide down an inflatable kids' slide into a pool of water at the foot of the slide at the Cherry neighborhood community's annual 4th of July celebration at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. The church has been holding the community celebration for decades (39-50 years, they weren't sure how long). It includes kids games and a cookout. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

L-r Akaiya Fisher, 8, and Diamond Wright, 7, enjoy sliding down an inflatable kids' slide into a pool of water at the foot of the slide at the Cherry neighborhood community's annual 4th of July celebration at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. The church has been holding the community celebration for decades (39-50 years, they weren't sure how long). It includes kids games and a cookout. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Emma Gardiner-Parks, 13, of Charlotte plays an old-fashioned game of hoops Saturday July 4th at the Charlotte Museum of History. Kids dressed in colonial clothes and played games kids would have played in the Charlotte area in 1776 as part of the July 4th celebration at the Museum of History. DIEDRA LAIRD - dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

(07.04.2009)--(names cq'd)--Rick and Kathy Hutton of Richmond, VA, shag to the music of Band of Gold as they perform during the annual Red, White and Boom! event at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2009. - YALONDA M. JAMES - yjames@charlotteobserver.com

(07.04.2009)--(name cq'd)--Gary Potts, a saxophone player for the group, Band of Gold, dances during a performance at the annual Red, White and Boom! event at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2009. - YALONDA M. JAMES - yjames@charlotteobserver.com

(07.04.2009)--A large number of people roam about for the annual Red, White and Boom! event at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2009. - YALONDA M. JAMES - yjames@charlotteobserver.com

(07.04.2009)--People relax to the sounds of Band of Gold as they play beach music at the annual Red, White and Boom! event at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2009. - YALONDA M. JAMES - yjames@charlotteobserver.com

(07.04.2009)--3D glasses and American flags were props for the annual Red, White and Boom! event at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2009. - YALONDA M. JAMES - yjames@charlotteobserver.com

(07.04.2009)--(name cq'd)--Milan Pai, 7, pulls rope during a tug of war moment at the annual Red, White and Boom! event at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2009. - YALONDA M. JAMES - yjames@charlotteobserver.com

(07.04.2009)--Fireworks are shot into the air from a CPCC parking deck during the annual Red, White and Boom! event at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2009. - YALONDA M. JAMES - yjames@charlotteobserver.com