Fireworks illuminate the night sky above Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., during the Air Force Academy's Independence Day celebration July 4, 2011. More than 20,000 visitors came to see the nearly 30-minute fireworks show as well as performances by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and the Air Force Academy Band. (U.S. Air Force photo/Megan Davis) Master Sgt. Tim Allums performs at the Air Force Academy's Independence Day celebration July 4, 2011, at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo. Sergeant Allums is a trumpet player with the Air Force Academy Band and a native of Beaumont, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Megan Davis) Thomas Wilson conducts a Colorado Springs Philharmonic performance in Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy July 4, 2011, while in the background, basic cadets get some welcome down time from Basic Cadet Training. Wilson, the philharmonic's associate conductor, began studying piano at age 4 and later learned the trumpet, percussion, string bass and voice. (U.S. Air Force photo/Megan Davis) Academy, Colo. Springs celebrate Independence Day by Don Branum U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs 7/7/2011 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy partnered with the city of Colorado Springs to hold a birthday party for the nation July 4. More than 20,000 people attended the Fourth of July celebration, which featured a nearly 30-minute fireworks show as well as performances by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and the Air Force Academy Band. Other attractions at the event included a car show, static displays of military hardware, a rock climbing wall and inflatable attractions. For more photos of the event, view the Fourth of July Slideshow.