Trump gets 1 hour, prime time slot in July 4 celebration

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Opinion: Washington Secrets
Trump gets 1 hour, prime time slot in July 4 celebration
by Paul Bedard
 | June 19, 2019 12:30 PM



President Trump is getting an hour-long prime time slot to speak during Washington’s famous Independence Day celebration.

The Interior Department said that Trump will be featured from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., an hour called “Salute to America.”

During that hour, Trump will address the crowd on the National Mall and witness “military demonstrations and flyovers.”

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said that several areas typically closed will be opened for the event.

“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,” he said.

Trump called on Americans to come to the July 4th event when he announced his reelection bid in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday night.

“On July 4th, in Washington, D.C., come on down, we're going have a big day. Bring your flags, bring those flags,” he said to supporters in the crowd holding U.S. flags. “Bring those American flags, July 4th, we're going to have hundreds of thousands of people, we're going to celebrate America. Sounds good, right? July 4th, celebrate America.”

Trump's participation has been criticized in the media and by Democrats who fear it will turn the national holiday event into a Trump reelection rally. But administration officials have dismissed the complaints, asking who more than the president should speak on the anniversary of America's independence.

Below is the schedule for the day:

    11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. National Independence Day Parade – Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street to 17th Street NW. 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!
    6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Salute to America – Lincoln Memorial. President Trump leads a celebration of America’s military with music, military demonstrations and flyovers. Gates open at 3:30 p.m.
    8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. A Capitol Fourth Concert – West Lawn the U.S. Capitol. 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.
    9:07 p.m. – 9:27 p.m. Fireworks Display. 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.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/trump-gets-1-hour-prime-time-slot-in-july-4-celebration