On July 4^th, IAVA teamed up with Declare Yourself, a voting advocacy organization, and Cricket Wireless to celebrate 232 years of American independence.  Over 200 of our member veterans and their families celebrated the night of the Fourth on the deck of the USS Midway in downtown San Diego, CA.  Also, on display was an original copy of the Declaration of Independence.  Right before the fireworks lit up the night sky, veterans throughout our nation's history were honored in a ceremony featuring Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.  

Click here to watch videos of the event.

Here's what IAVA Member Veterans had to say about the event: 

"Thank you for the tickets that the IAVA provided me and my family with to attend the 4th of July event at the USS Midway.  We enjoyed the entertainment provided and to be part of the celebration with other veterans.  Again, thank you so much. I greatly appreciate your generosity in holding this event and inviting us to be a part of it."
-Victor M. Reyes

"I just wanted to thank you guys again for an awesome time in San Diego.  It was an honor being apart of such an event."
-Aubrey Arcangel 

"I want to thank you and your staff for a great event. You all really outdid yourself and made a great presentation...Your attention to detail and your prompt and professional attitude was definitely the reason for the success of this event. Again, thank you."
-Rita Cossio

"I want to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of all veterans that could not make it to the ceremony on Friday, July 4th. I also want to thank you for inviting my family and I to the event on board the USS Midway (and for the Wii).  You guys did a great job."
-Omar Gonzalez, Jr.