Photo Luis Rocha Fireworks lit up the night sky over the Triborough Bridge as the 20th annual Independence Day celebrations took place in Astoria Park July 2.

A sweltering July evening could not keep a determined crowd, estimated at 18,000, from being part of the eagerly awaited Independence Day Celebration in Astoria Park on July 2. Sponsored by the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition for 20 years, this year’s Independence Celebration combined a long standing tradition of inaugurating city-wide festivities that celebrate America’s birthday with a patriotic salute to the heroes of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The event featured a rare New York City appearance by the West Point U.S. Military Academy Band and a spectacular Bay Fireworks display. The crowds enthusiasm for the performance was demonstrated by the patriotic waving of thousands of American flags that were distributed throughout the park.

As part of the salute to the heroes of September 11, the New York City Police Department Ceremonial Unit presented the Colors, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by former Speaker of the New York City Council Peter Vallone Sr. and the singing of the National Anthem by Police Officer Kerrence Darden. Cheerleaders from the Roberta Wells Conservatory of Arts and Learning dedicated their performance to the victims of September 11 as well.

Julian Wager, president of the Central Astoria Local Development Corporation and Master of Ceremonies for the event acknowledged and thanked the major financial sponsors of the night’s event, the New York Power Authority and NY city Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. Also acknowledged was the presence of the New York Police Department, the cooperation and assistance of the city Department of Parks and Recreation and the 114th Police Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol.

Eugene W. Zeltmann, NYPA president and chief executive officer, told the audience that NYPA had been proud to sponsor the fireworks at the Astoria celebration for the past 18 years, but was particularly proud this year because of the opportunity to remember the heroes and victims of Sept. 11.

"They were people like you and me—people who enjoyed the freedoms of this great country and who contributed to it by their work and dedication to their families," Zeltmann said. "And it was a great honor to them that this country came together so brilliantly and patriotically in the aftermath of that tragedy."

The Power Authority, which owns and operates the Charles Poletti Power Project in Astoria, contributed $35,000 to the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition for the fireworks and to help cover other event-related expenses.

The Independence Day Celebration opens a series of free outdoor performances to take place every Thursday for the next five weeks in Astoria Park For more information, call (718) 728-7820.