The Department of Interior has unveiled a schedule of events for a large 4th of July celebration set for Washington, D.C.
Events will include an address from President Trump titled “Salute to America,” a parade, military demonstration and flyover and an expansion of open areas along the National Mall.
“For the first time in many years, the World War II Memorial and areas around the Reflecting Pool will be open for the public to enjoy a stunning fireworks display and an address by our Commander-in-Chief,” U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt said. “We are excited to open these new areas so that more visitors may experience this year’s Independence Day celebration in our nation’s capital.”
Read my statement on @POTUS’ #Salute2America ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/O1XFPE1QdS
— Secretary David Bernhardt (@SecBernhardt) June 19, 2019
What we know so far
The memo from the Department of Interior spells out some of what is planned for Independent Day.’
Salute to America will honor each of the nation’s five service branches with music, military demonstrations, flyovers and more. Participants include the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Band, known as “Pershing’s Own”, the Armed Forces Chorus, the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, and others.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the World War II Memorial and Constitution Gardens will each be available as locations from which to view the fireworks. The change comes due to the launch site being moved from the Reflecting Pool to West Potomac Park.
Proud to announce for the first time in many years, visitors will be able to access areas surrounding the following for #Salute2America on #IndependenceDay
✅ Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
✅ World War II Memorial
✅ Constitution Gardens— Secretary David Bernhardt (@SecBernhardt) June 21, 2019
The Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial will be accessible to the public on Independence Day. In previous years it had been closed due to the old fireworks safety zone.
The National Independence Day Parade will start at 11:45 a.m. ET. The parade will include marching bands, fife and drum corps., floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more.
#Salute2America will honor the @USArmy, @USNavy, @USMC, @usairforce, @USCG with music, military demonstration, flyovers and more! ⬇️ https://t.co/auhoyheDnj
— Secretary David Bernhardt (@SecBernhardt) June 19, 2019
President Trump’s address will be presented at the Lincoln Memorial at 6:30 p.m. A flyover will be part of his presentation.
A Capitol Fourth Concert will begin at 8 p.m. ET on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The event is co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Fireworks will begin at 9:07 p.m. ET and last until 9:27 p.m. ET. The display will take place over the National Mall and will be visible from locations throughout D.C. and northern Virginia.
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