Despite a rain delay which forced hundreds of basic trainees indoors around 4 p.m. on Saturday, the community came out in full force for Fort Moore’s annual Independence Day Celebration.

By around 5 p.m. the evening’s festivities were back on track, with performers going on at their originally scheduled times.

Season 24 winner of “The Voice,” Huntley hit the stage at 7 p.m. He explained playing an event like this, which was free to attend for military and community members, has been one of his main goals since winning “The Voice” in December 2023.

The artist said many of the most influential men in his life served in the military. His brother-in-law died in service with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

“I know how much families sacrifice for this,” Huntley said. “Not just their time but, you know, their families’ lives.”


Season 24 winner of “The Voice” Huntley hit the stage around 7 p.m. on July 29. (Olivia Yepez)© Provided by WRBL Columbus


The singer said giving a free performance for military members and their families was “the least I could do.” (Olivia Yepez)© Provided by WRBL Columbus


Huntley talks backstage with WRBL ahead of his performance. (Olivia Yepez)© Provided by WRBL Columbus

The singer, who made it to post just hours before his performance following travel mishaps, said he got chills when he arrived at Fort Moore. He planned to visit the 173rd Airborne Brigade Memorial following his performance.

Performing a free show in honor of Independence Day was “the least I could do,” the singer said.

He added, “The fact that I get to come out here and do this while living my—it’s like a dream come true.”

Community members stayed gathered at the event for a performance by country artist Brett Young at 8:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 10 p.m. set to music by the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band.

Fort Moore’s Independence Day Celebration comes a few days before July 4. Another Independence Day event, featuring a demonstration by the Silver Wings Parachute team, will take place at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus starting at 10 a.m. with a cannon firing and the National Anthem.