Atlanta Braves Celebrate Independence Day Weekend with a Salute to Our Troops and an "All American Fireworks Spectacular" on Friday, July 4th

Independence Day celebrations at Turner Field will honor members of the United States military and their families, and a post-game "Salute to America Fireworks Spectacular," presented by Publix Super Markets, will feature a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, choreographed to patriotic music, that will light up the Atlanta skyline in red, white and blue.

The Braves holiday-weekend festivities will continue with a free concert by two-time Grammy Award-winning group Arrested Development in Fan Plaza on Saturday, July 5th. Arrested Development will perform in Fan Plaza beginning at 5:30, and will make an encore appearance in Fan Plaza after the game.

Arrested Development's lead female vocalist, Tasha LaRae, will also perform the national anthem on Friday, July 4th. Operation Homefront Georgia will bring together volunteers from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and National Guard to carry the largest American flag ever displayed at Turner Field during pre-game ceremonies. More than 350 military families will join Operation Homefront at the game, including soldiers wounded in action from Fort Gordon, Georgia. Tributes on BravesVision from Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves will thank military men and women for their service and celebrate the history of our nation.

Serving as the Braves' Honorary Team Captain for the evening on July 4th will be Captain Joseph Anthony, of Richmond, Virginia, a 16 year veteran of the United States Army. Captain Anthony, a decorated soldier, is currently serving in Iraq, and will return home to the United States shortly before Independence Day. His awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Expert Field Medical Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.

For games throughout the July 4 weekend and on September 11th, all Major League Baseball teams will wear "Stars & Stripes" caps that are available for sale to the public with a portion of the proceeds going to Welcome Back Veterans.

Braves Independence Day Weekend schedule:
Friday, July 4th:
7:10 p.m. - Pre-game ceremonies begin on field featuring Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and National Guard and the largest American flag ever displayed at Turner Field
7:20 p.m. - National Anthem performed by Arrested Development's lead female vocalist, Tasha LaRae
7:30 p.m. - Braves Honorary Team Captain, Captain Joseph Anthony, to exchange line up cards with game officials and coaches
7:35 p.m. - Atlanta Braves vs. Houston Astros first pitch
Post Game - "Salute to America Fireworks Spectacular," presented by Publix Super Markets

Saturday, July 5th:
5:30 p.m. - Arrested Development concert in Fan Plaza
7:05 p.m. - Braves vs. Houston Astros
Post Game - Arrested Development encore in Fan Plaza