Issue date: 7/6/09 Section: News

The crowd drew their cameras out and clapped and hollered as four F-15 jets flew over the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Saturday afternoon. Simultaneously, a group of Boy Scouts posed in front of the museum with American and Texas flags anchored beside them as patriotic music played in the background.

It was the Fourth of July in College Station, and Saturday marked the 10th Independence Day celebration at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Around 3,000 visitors toured the museum during the celebration, said Bush Library and Museum Director Warren Finch. He said there were about 6,000 people on the grounds, and 15,000 to 20,000 people lined up to enjoy the 20-minute firework display that evening.

The library began coordinating the event a year ago, and next year's July 4 plans are already under way, said Finch.

"We just love it," Finch said. "We think it's a great partnership to have a Fourth of July celebration at a presidential library."

The Bush library promotes civic literacy, Finch said.

"You learn about your country on the Fourth of July," he said.

Free of charge, visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the nation's history, including President George H.W. Bush's role in WWII, Finch said. Currently, the exhibit features the space program.

To accommodate thousands of guests, Finch said that the museum implemented the help of 30 to 40 volunteers, many of whom were dressed as American figures.

Anne Hays has volunteered at the Bush Library on July 4 for the past 10 years. She has contributed over 4,000 volunteer hours to the Bush library. This year Hays dressed as an astronaut in honor of the space program's upcoming 40th anniversary. Hays was the only one willing to wear an orange space suit, she said with a laugh, because she's a "t-sip."

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