Thousands of patriots are expected to pack the National Mall as President Donald Trump marks America’s 250th Independence Day with a speech before a massive fireworks show in Washington.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump is celebrating America’s 250th Independence Day on the National Mall with a speech before a record-setting fireworks display in front of the Washington Monument.
Trump is scheduled to address the crowd at 9:45 p.m. ET as thousands of Americans gather in the nation’s capital for the semiquincentennial celebration, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The fireworks show is set to begin at 10:36 p.m. ET and last about 40 minutes. Organizers describe it as the world’s largest fireworks display, with approximately 850,000 pyrotechnic shells being launched from the reflecting pool near the Lincoln Memorial, West Potomac Park and barges on the Potomac River.
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The display is expected to set a world record for the most fireworks launched in a single show. Based on wholesale prices, the fireworks are estimated to cost about $1.5 million or more, roughly six times the amount normally budgeted for Fourth of July fireworks in the district.
Trump is headlining the Salute to America party, which includes the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra, live musical performances and guest speakers who have not yet been named.
Military aircraft flyovers are setting a patriotic tone throughout the day. The schedule begins at 1:15 p.m. ET with an appearance by NASA’s F-5 aircraft. Planned highlights include precision formation performances by the Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels, appearances by the Golden Knights and Leap Frogs parachute teams and a flyover by the president’s newly redesigned Air Force One.
Aerial demonstrations are scheduled every 10 to 20 minutes until 8:22 p.m. ET. A final B-1 flyby is set to pass overhead shortly before the fireworks begin.
Some events are being canceled or adjusted because of the intense heat affecting the region. Triple-digit temperatures and high humidity are forcing the cancellation of the annual Independence Day Parade, while the Great State Fair is also facing postponements.
Entry to the area where Trump is speaking is delayed until 5 p.m. ET. Additional magnetometers and security screening areas are being added to help move crowds through checkpoints more quickly.
Other East Coast events are also being disrupted because of dangerous heat index forecasts.
Excitement is building throughout the week as thousands of Americans and visitors from around the world arrive in Washington to take part in the 250th anniversary celebrations.
Visitors are filling the National Mall and surrounding monuments, including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Lincoln Memorial. Many are wearing festive hats and patriotic attire while gathering in the shade and taking in the historic sites.
Federal buildings across Washington are decorated with specially designed banners commemorating the anniversary and are being illuminated at night with red, white and blue lights.
Earlier in the day, the National Archives hosts a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Trump is also participating in Independence Day events beyond Washington. He attends festivities July 3 at Mount Rushmore and, on July 1, opens the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.
During his Mount Rushmore address, Trump praises the United States as “the oldest republic on Earth, the freest people on Earth,” and calls it “the most successful, most accomplished, most exceptional nation ever to exist.”
“We mark 250 years of glorious independence and 250 years of majestic American freedom,” Trump said. “Nothing like it.”
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