 Naval Station Rota kicked off its Independence Day celebrations with the annual raising of the American flag. The day's color ceremony holds special significance on the base. We're in a unique situation being here because this is a Spanish naval base. And as a Spanish naval base we have certain agreements that will not allow us to fly our flag anywhere on base except during the 4th of July week. So this is a great opportunity for active duty, reservists, dependents, civilians to all come together and celebrate what it is to be American. Service members from every branch were represented as well as members from almost every command on base. While the ceremony was brief, the pride and patriotism it inspired will last all year. Petty Officer Valerie Carson, Rota, Spain.