President Trump loves a big party. So for the Fourth of July, he’s going to throw one — for America.
“This year’s annual Independence Day celebration on the National Mall, will feature music, flyovers, fireworks, and an address by President Donald J. Trump. Salute to America will honor each of the nation’s five service branches with music, military demonstrations, multiple flyovers including a flight demonstration by the Blue Angels, and much more,” says a lengthy press release from the Department of the Interior, which Trump posted on Twitter on Tuesday.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 2, 2019
Among the unconfirmed plans, the president reportedly wants the National Park Service to work with the military to station tanks and other armored military vehicles on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for his scheduled July Fourth address to the nation.
“The ongoing negotiations over whether to use massive military hardware, such as Abrams tanks or Bradley fighting vehicles, as a prop for Trump’s ‘Salute to America’ is just one of many unfinished details when it comes to the celebration planned for Thursday, according to several people briefed on the plan, who requested anonymity to speak frankly,” the Washington Post reported Monday.
Below is the full schedule of festivities from the Interior Department:
One-of-a-kind music and air power experience
Pensacola News Journal: Blue Angels Will Perform At Trump’s Salute to America Fourth of July Celebration
“The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will perform a flight demonstration at President Donald Trump’s ‘Salute to America’ Fourth of July Celebration in Washington, D.C. next week… The demonstration will be one of multiple aircraft flyovers at the star-spangled event.” (6/28/2019)
MilitaryTimes: Navy’s Blue Angels Set to Participate in Flight Demonstration for Trump’s Fourth of July Celebration
“The Navy’s Blue Angels will perform a flight demonstration at President Donald Trump’s Fourth of July celebration, according to Interior Secretary David Bernhardt… The celebration includes a parade honoring Independence Day and will also feature a fife and drum corps, military units and drill teams.” (6/28/2019)
WJLA: The Blue Angels Will Do A Flyover During D.C.’S Fourth Of July Celebration
“D.C.’s annual Fourth of July celebration will include a Blue Angels flyover… Salute to America will honor each of the nation’s five service branches with music, military demonstrations and flyovers. Participants include the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Band (‘Pershing’s Own’), the Armed Forces Chorus, the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, and many others.” (6/28/2019)
The Hill: Trump Administration Unveils New Details About July Fourth Fireworks, Flyover
“President Trump’s ‘Salute to America’ Fourth of July event in Washington, D.C., is primed to be one of the longest fireworks shows and will feature a flyover by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. New details released by the Interior Department on Friday show that the annual spectacle that has been amped up…” (6/28/2019)
A spectacular fireworks show
Washington Examiner: Boom: Donations to Trump’s July Fourth ‘Salute’ to Double Fireworks Display, Longest Ever
“Washington’s July Fourth ‘Salute to America’ envisioned by President Trump will conclude with the capital’s longest ever fireworks display thanks to donations being made by two of America’s biggest pyrotechnics outfits.” (6/24/2019)
WTOP: National Mall Fireworks Show Promises to Be Biggest Ever, Thanks to Donations
“President Donald Trump’s inaugural July 4 ‘Salute to America’ on the National Mall aimed to be big — but now it’s shooting to be the biggest fireworks display ever held in the D.C. region, thanks to donations from two of the U.S.’ biggest pyrotechnic companies… Phantom and Grucci’s pyrotechnic donations are valued at $750,000.” (6/26/2019)
Schedule of Events
National Independence Day Parade – Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street to 17th Street NW
11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, red, white and blue celebration of America’s birthday! Visit the National Independence Day Parade for more information.
Salute to America – Lincoln Memorial
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
President Donald J. Trump honors America’s armed forces with music, military demonstrations, flyovers and much more. Participants include the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”), the Armed Forces Chorus, the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, and many others. Gates open at 3 p.m.
A Capitol Fourth Concert – West Lawn the U.S. Capitol
8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Symphony Orchestra, join host John Stamos for an all-star salute to America’s 243rd birthday with performances by Grammy Award-winning music legend Carole King, multi-platinum recording artist Vanessa Williams, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, the National Symphony Orchestra, a special appearance by the Sesame Street Muppets, and much more! Gates open at 3 p.m. Visit A Capitol Fourth for more information.
Fireworks Display
9:07 p.m. – 9:42 p.m.
Independence Day celebrations culminate with a spectacular fireworks display over the National Mall. The fireworks will be launched from West Potomac Park and behind the Lincoln Memorial. They will be visible from locations throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia.
For additional information about the day’s events, including security restrictions, public access points, road closures and prohibited items, please visit the National Park Serice website. Complete information and updates on the Independence Day celebration can be found here.
