The city of Smyrna celebrated Independence Day a few days ahead of July 4, and they did it in honor of fallen Blue Angel pilot, Captain Jeff Kuss.
The 2016 4th of July celebration was dedicated to Kuss, who died in a plane crash while practicing for the Great Tennessee Airshow last month.
Much of the Smyrna community showed up at Lee Victory Recreation Park Friday to honor the pilot and a loved tradition in the area.
“You know, for so many of us, we're use to going out on Thursdays and Fridays and watching the practice runs and then Saturdays and Sundays come and it's the show. And so all of us were in total shock over the last month as to what happened. And so to be able to come tonight and to celebrate Captain Kuss' life is amazing for this community,” said Mary Esther Reed.
Blue and yellow memorial pins were given to the first 2,000 people at the celebration.
People also had a chance to donate to the Jeff Kuss Memorial Fund which will go toward the future memorial to honor Captain Kuss.
