Skydivers celebrate 4th of July

Skydivers were jumping out of planes to the sounds of an eager crowd, waiting for them to do it again
Published: Jul. 4, 2024 at 11:40 PM EDT

CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Skydivers were jumping out of planes to the sounds of an eager crowd, waiting for them to do it again. It’s just the way the West Virginia Skydivers celebrate the 4th of July.

For skydiver Todd Crawford, he said skydiving is symbolic of Independence Day.

“One of the things that we think is most important about freedom is that really kind of embodies that is the spirit of aviation and the freedom it all symbolizes,” Crawford said.

Crawford and other divers with the West Virginia Divers kick off the night by jumping out a plane, holding both the American and the West Virginia State flag.

“We absolutely love doing this, this is what we all love, I’m all about it,” Crawford said.

The night, also brought some to tears in the past since the event not only has skydivers but, one of the jumps includes the flags and the Star Spangled Banner.

“It’s pretty exceptional,” said Christy Boster. “It’s really cool when they play the national anthem and they come down with the flag. It means a lot especially being a mom to two service members, and my husband was also in the service so it’s extra special on the Fourth of July.”

Boster was at the event, watching her son and husband take to the sky and making the holiday extra special.

“It is absolutely a blast. I love it, this is my place to come. I just, think it’s laidback, but also there’s a lot of people here but, it’s very laidback. You’ll see kids running around, dancing, having a good time,” Boster said.

Kids running to candy after the plane passes over a field for kids to take part made the day special, too.