Events to highlight nation's support Published July 2, 2003 By Denise Brown American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- More than 4,000 military troops and Department of Defense civilians will take part in Independence Day events across the United States. The events are part of Operation Tribute to Freedom, the DOD initiative encouraging Americans to thank and support U.S. troops.The servicemembers and civilians will be supporting more than 2,000 parades, military bands, color guards, speeches and military aircraft flyovers as the nation pauses to celebrate its independence and extend its thanks to troops serving worldwide in the war on terrorism."We have events happening everywhere. From the smallest town to the largest city, American citizens around the country will be thanking and supporting our troops over this patriotic holiday," said Brent Krueger. He is the director for community relations and public liaison for the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.The week's events began with a July 1 White House re-enlistment ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the All Volunteer Force. President George W. Bush re-enlisted 30 servicemembers at the ceremony, while 65 military entrance processing stations across the United States conducted enlistment ceremonies for new servicemembers.The "Hometown Heroes" program is sending more than 1,000 troops back to their hometowns to participate in Fourth of July events. Army Chief Warrant Officer Ronald D. Young Jr., former Iraqi prisoner of war, will be the grand marshal of Atlanta's July 4 parade. About 200 fellow Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans will join Young."This is definitely the largest outreach effort in recent memory designed to support the troops," Krueger said. "The events range from 20 people to 30,000 people, with some events even larger. It's amazing."