Momentous Storm Does Not Deter Audacious Fireworks Display for America’s 250th Birthday Celebration at Washington

Washington, D.C., earned its title as the new Boomtown U.S.A. after an audacious fireworks display attempting to set a world record in size — and likely sound — erupted over the city in the closing minutes of July 4.America’s 250th celebration was nothing if not loud — and smoky — falling mostly on July 5 after storms delayed remarks by President Trump, originally scheduled for 9:45 p.m., and forced thousands of attendees to seek shelter. The president finished offering remarks around 11:54 p.m. ET, enabling the fireworks show to start just minutes before midnight. The enormous display lasted 40 minutes. During the show, members of the Armed Forces competed to be heard as they skillfully sang old-school hits, including Mr. Trump’s beloved YMCA. More than 860,000 shells launched from 10 sites across the National Mall. The expertly timed show surpassed the previous Guinness World Record of 810,754 fireworks, set during a 2016 New Year’s celebration in the Philippines.The president’s remarks had been delayed after storms, including thunder and lightning, forced officials to shut down the National Mall and the Great American State Fair for two hours. The president said that 375,000 people were told to leave. About 150,000 had returned through the magnetometers when he finally got on stage, escorted by his wife Melania Trump. In a mix of partisanship and patriotism, the president commemorated American independence, a moment he declared “one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time.” Typical of his remarks, he singled out many honored guests, this time including members of the Greatest Generation, including a 107-year-old and a 104-year-old veteran of World War II. “They are the greatest generation,” Mr. Trump said in a moment of self-deprecation. “I hate to admit that, but they are.”The veterans, escorted by service and family members, saluted and waved while sitting in or standing behind wheelchairs. The president also welcomed one of the first black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat in Vietnam and brought Gold Star family members to the stage. They held the folded tricornered flags that draped the caskets of their loved ones. Behind them on the wall were mounted other flags commemorating America’s history, including one that was draped over Abraham Lincoln’s casket and one that flew on the plane piloted by the Wright Brothers.Lee Greenwood sang his anthem “God Bless the USA” and the U.S. military bands offered backup. Military jets roared above the crowd. The Washington Monument stood illuminated with images Crowds frequently interrupted remarks to chant “U.S.A.”Mr. Trump did drop some partisan comments, including his call to pass the SAVE America Act. He also insisted that America will never become a communist nation, a oblique reference to recent primary victories by some Democratic Socialist candidates who have denounced America in public comments. “We will always be on top,” Mr. Trump said. “We will never let our country fall. We will always be the best.”The soaking rain that preceded the president’s remarks certainly helped to prevent any accidental fires set by hot ashes from the enormous fireworks display. Crowds were forced off the lawn around 7:00 p.m. and huddled in museums, subway stations, and federal buildings, cooling off in the air conditioning at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and elsewhere. The temperature at Washington hit 102 degrees by midday Saturday, with heat index values reaching between 110 and 115 degrees. That topped the previous record for the date of 101 degrees, set on July 4, 1898, according to Accuweather. The record-breaking heat helped define events at Washington, D.C., and elsewhere around the country. Severe weather prompted the cancellation of celebrations at Hartford, Connecticut, and Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Spectators at Boston’s fireworks and concert were told to briefly seek shelter before events later resumed. An evacuation was also ordered at Philadelphia. New York and Pittsburgh went ahead with their fireworks but shifted the start times. Smaller parades at towns and cities surrounding Washington were also cancelled.Despite the scorching conditions, however, the slate of nationwide celebrations remained largely intact. The Great American State Fair resumes on Sunday and will last until July 10.

Momentous Storm Does Not Deter Audacious Fireworks Display for America’s 250th Birthday Celebration at Washington

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