WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) -- President Donald Trump's Fourth of July address to the nation will honor America's armed forces.
Federal lawmakers, local officials and others have expressed concern that Trump could mar what traditionally is a nonpartisan celebration of the nation's founding by delivering an overtly political speech. But Interior Secretary David Bernhardt announced Wednesday that Trump will use his remarks to honor the five branches of the U.S. military.
Bernhardt also announced that the World War II Memorial and areas around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will be open to the public for the first time in recent memory for viewing the annual fireworks display, which is being moved closer to the Lincoln Memorial from the Washington Monument.
Trump's event, called "Salute to America," will include music, military demonstrations and flyovers.
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, and drill teams. Click here for more parade details
-- Salute to America - Lincoln Memorial - 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - President Trump leads a celebration of America's military with music, military demonstrations and flyovers. Gates open at 3:30 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, A Capital Fourth honors our nation's 243rd birthday with an all-star salute of the best in American entertainment. Gates open at 3 p.m.
-- Fireworks Display - 9:07 p.m. - 9:27 p.m. - Independence Day culminates with a 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.
Click here for additional details on the day's events.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report