A Memorable Fourth in Our Nation’s Capital (photos)

Soggy weather, warm temperatures and high humidity did not deter the hundreds of thousands who gathered once more in Washington, D.C., on July 4 as our nation celebrated its 243rd birthday.

Public festivities got underway at the National Archives with a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence by our Founding Fathers (and Mothers), with a performance by the 3rd U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps, dressed in their traditional colonial garb. This was followed by the National Indiependence Day Parade up Constitution Avenue.

In early evening at the Lincoln Memorial, President Donald Trump delivered a salute to our armed forces featuring flyovers of the world’s most sophisticated aircraft.

On the opposite side of the National Mall, “A Capitol Fourth,” the 39th annual PBS concert from the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn, drew in-person audiences and viewers from around the country.

The heavy air left over from a downpour earlier in the day largely obscured the view of the fireworks in smoke and haze. Still, it was a memorable Fourth.

View Jeff Malet’s photos of the Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C., by clicking on the photo icons below.

tags"A Capitol Fourth"birthdaycelebrationfireworksFourth of JulyIndependents DayJuly 4militaryNational Independence Day Paradeplanes