Sequestration forces cancellation of military base's July 4th fete

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is canceling its annual July 4 celebration including fireworks, saying it doesn't have the funds this year because of civilian furloughs resulting from Washington's budget sequestration.

The cancellation was announced in a statement on the base's website today.

The base normally opened the events to the public as a means of showcasing its active-duty, reserve and guard service members. The sprawling base in Burlington and Ocean counties houses members of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

"This year's celebration follows the Department of Defense's recent announcement that requires most civilian employees to be furloughed beginning in July," the statement said. "The joint base relies heavily on the expertise the civilian workforce brings to the table. In this instance, the Fourth of July celebration would require extensive resources and the support of the joint base's civilian employees to host the event."