WEBB COUNTY, Tex. (KGNS) - As the nation celebrates July 4th with grilling and fireworks, a group of local veterans is urging the public to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought and risked their lives for our country. These heroes shared alternative ways to commemorate the day and honor the nation’s history.

Krystallynn Castillo, cousin of the late Robin Rodriguez, a U.S. Marine, and Laredo ISD officer who tragically passed away in a vehicle accident this past March, shared her sentiments. She emphasized the significance of spending the 4th of July at the cemetery to honor her cousin’s memory. Castillo stated, “This is our first 4th of July without him since he was very connected with all of us cousins. We decided to spend it here with him.”

Alongside Castillo, local veterans propose additional ways to celebrate the country’s independence. Gabriel Lopez, a U.S. veteran, suggests visiting the graves of veterans who may not have family members present. Paying respects and offering gratitude to these individuals is a meaningful gesture. Another option is to write letters to deployed service members, expressing appreciation for their dedication and sacrifices.

While fireworks bring joy to many, they can also trigger distressing memories for veterans who have experienced combat. Jesus Segovia, a Vietnam War veteran, explains, “Sometimes, you know, it’s been 55 years since we returned from Vietnam, and some veterans are still not receptive to fireworks. Some of them prefer to stay home or find solace on a ranch during the 4th of July.”

These veterans, like Segovia, who have served or are currently serving in the military, want the community to recognize that July 4th is not just a day off work. It is a day to reflect on the nation’s history, its present, and its future.

Currently, the United States has over 2 million registered active military personnel.

To ensure deployed U.S. soldiers never feel alone, you can click here to write letters to service members.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - If there was one Laredo park ready for Independence Day, it’s Independence Hills Park.

As part of today’s celebration, the park will have its splash pad open, a live band ready to rock the stage, and several events for the kids to enjoy.

Included are scenes from earlier today, but the fun already got started at 4 p.m.

Don’t worry, you have until 9:15 p.m. to catch the fireworks.

Organizers also say it’s a wise idea to bring your appetite.

Nora May, city of Laredo Recreation Director, said, “We have vendors, so there’ll be plenty of food for people to come and enjoy. We’ll also have waters around the area, so you can make to hydrate because it’ll be a little bit warm but that’s why we have a lot of the water games too. So bring the kiddos, this is a family event and you’ll also be able to grill.”

Additional parking will be available in the back of the park, according to organizers.

WEBB COUNTY, TX. (KGNS) - An arrest is made in connection to a party that ended with shots fired nearly two months ago.

Felipe Tobias, 19, was arrested in connection to the case.

According to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, they were called out to a party at the 100 block of Los Altos drive back in May.

When authorities arrived, they were told a fight had broken out which escalated into an alleged shooting.

Several individuals were detained and a handgun along with spent casings were collected.

Tobias was arrested and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon, deadly conduct and tampering with evidence.

He’s now at the Webb County Jail.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - It’s the fourth day of July and the City of Laredo has some advice on what to do and what not to do for those who might be celebrating Independence Day at one of the local or state parks.

The season for grilling and lighting up the night sky is finally here.

People across the country are getting ready for the Fourth of July and while some will celebrate out of town, those who are celebrating in Laredo need to follow some rules.

If you plan to celebrate the holiday at a Laredo Park, Eddie Millan with the City of Laredo Parks and Rec. Department encourages families to bring coolers for snacks and foods; however, you cannot bring adult beverages.

“Do not bring alcohol, no alcohol is allowed, also no fireworks, we’ll have the fireworks for you, but you cannot bring your fireworks there,” said Millan.

The city parks are not the only places that will be open. Lake Casa Blanca will also be open on the holiday.

Querubin Guerra, from the state park said people can also enjoy the lake at their full capacity; however, there are some things that you need to keep in mind.

“No fireworks in the park, making sure that people pick up their trash, no alcohol permitted consumption in the park, and the use of excessive water,” said Guerra.

According to Guerra, fireworks are not allowed because they could cause harm to our local state park.

“Simply fire hazards, we don’t allow any fireworks or any displays of fireworks throughout the park on any state parks. That’s a state park rule, we are just trying to prevent fires in the system or throughout the park and anywhere around the area,” said Guerra.

If you are caught breaking the rules, state and city officials say there will be law enforcement on the lookout.

Those who are caught lighting fireworks within city limits or at a local park could face a hefty fine.

If you do plan to attend any of the city’s celebrations, officials say it is best to arrive at the park early.

“They can come and gather as families and get there early and set up and bring your lunches and stuff,” said Millan.

The City of Laredo will host its Independence Day celebration at Independence Hills Park from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a fireworks display set for 9:15.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) -A man is in custody after he barricaded himself inside a home with 3 children for several hours in west Laredo.

According to Laredo police, this situation unfolded Monday evening around 5p.m. when their officers were sent to a home on the 2500 block of Rosie Ct. for what was described as a “domestic situation.”

Once they were on scene, officers were told by a woman, who had been inside the residence, that the man inside had allegedly threatened her and showed signs of violence. The woman told officer there were a 3-year-old, a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old with the man inside .

Laredo PD said the SWAT team was called in and tried several times to make contact with the suspect, but he never answered.

The SWAT team eventually went inside the home at around 7:30 p.m. and found the children with minor injuries due to the glass on the floor.

SWAT officers found a large capacity rifle in the home within the suspect’s reach. The man was said to have been found in what is being called “a state of sleep” when officers entered.

The children were taken to the hospital for evaluation.

No formal charges have been filed against the man as of yet.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A dramatic chase unfolded in south Laredo this afternoon.

Witnesses reported a chase near a neighborhood, with multiple Department of Public Safety units surrounding a truck on Malinche and Boulager.

According to DPS, it began by the Walmart in south Laredo after an individual was seen picking up undocumented individuals around the area.

The driver of the SUV was arrested and was identified as 18-year-old Jaime Aguilar.

No word yet on what happened to the undocumented individuals.