President Donald Trump will give remarks on July 4 during Washington’s Independence Day celebration on the National Mall.
The details of the event were announced on June 19.
“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. 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.”
The areas that will be open include the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the World War II Memorial, and the Constitution Gardens since safety restrictions were lifted for these zones after the launch site was moved to West Potomac Park.
The event, titled “Salute to America,” will honor the nation’s five service branches with music, military demonstrations, and flyovers.
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Band, and the Armed Force Chorus are listed among the performing groups.
The events will start with the National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trump will lead the celebration at the Lincoln Memorial at 6:30 p.m.; gates for that event will open at 3:30 p.m.
At 8 p.m., a concert will take place on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
The fireworks will start at 9:07 p.m. and continue for about 20 minutes.
“Independence Day culminates 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,” the Department of the Interior stated.
“By the way, on July 4th in Washington D.C., come on down! We’re going to have a big day!” Trump told the crowd. “We’re going to have hundreds of thousands of people!”
In February, Trump gave insight into the event planning, writing on Twitter: “HOLD THE DATE! We will be having one of the biggest gatherings in the history of Washington, D.C., on July 4th.”
“It will be called ‘A Salute to America’ and will be held at the Lincoln Memorial. Major fireworks display, entertainment and an address by your favorite President, me!” he added.
Some Democrats have publicly complained about the fact that Trump will be part of the events.
“For decades, the Fourth of July on the National Mall has been non-partisan and apolitical. It routinely brings tens of thousands of visitors to our nation’s capital to join in celebration of America’s founding. It is a time for celebration of and reflection on the sacrifices made by our founding generation of men and women to win independence for our nation. It is, therefore, unfortunate that you are considering a conflicting event, which could create the appearance of a televised, partisan campaign rally on the Mall at public expense,” they wrote.
In a statement, Hoyer added: “President Trump’s efforts to insert politics into a celebration of our nation’s history is extremely alarming. Forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for what amounts to a political rally is irresponsible and a misuse of funds. I strongly urge the President to reconsider his proposed event.”
