2003 Independence Day Celebration in the Nation's Capital

Join us this Fourth of July in celebrating America's 227th birthday in the nation's capital. Nowhere else is this celebration as significant as in the place where America's ideals are most visibly expressed in our nation's memorials and where our country's democratic institutions fulfill America's promise. We celebrate 227 years of democracy and the continuing promise of freedom.

Independence Day Parade

11:45 a.m., approx. 2 hours

Friday, July 4, 2003

Constitution Ave. between 7th and 17th Streets, NW
Washington, DC

The 2003 Parade celebrates the 227th birthday of the United States of America at the dawn of the new millennium. The parade marches along Constitution Ave. between 7th and 17th Streets NW. The parade consists of over 60 units including national personalities, designed floats, national marching bands, giant helium balloons, favorite costumed characters, and unique specialty groups. It is a patriotic, flag-waving, red-white-and-blue celebration of America's birthday.

Fourth of July Concerts

All concerts are free to the public.

Sylvan Theater

Country star Aaron Tippin and the United States Navy Band will provide the musical entertainment at Sylvan Theatre on the Wasington Monument grounds beginning at 4:30pm. The National Mall Park Ranger Staff will present a Living History Vignette - Declare Your Freedom, and an educational program about recycling in the home, office and on the National Mall.

4:15pm-4:30pm - Welcome & Introduction of National Capital Parks Central Superintendent and AT&T Executive by Master of Ceremonies
4:30pm-5:15pm - Performance by Navy Band Cruisers
5:15pm-5:30pm - NPS Recycling Vignette
5:30pm-6:15pm - Performance by Navy Band Country Current
6:15pm-6:30pm - NPS Living History Vignette
6:30pm-8:00pm - Performance by Navy Concert Band and Sea Chanters
8:00pm-9:05pm - Performance by Aaron Tippin
9:05pm-9:10pm - Performance by Aaron Tippin and Navy Concert Band
9:10 p.m - The National Park Service 2003 Independence Day Fireworks Display!

*All times and performers subject to change

US Capitol

West Lawn of the US Capitol will feature Dolly Parton, The Chieftains, John Williams, Kristin Chenoweth, Barry Bostwick and other guest artists joining Erich Kunzel and the National Symphony Orchestra in a live televised event.

Fireworks

9:10 - 9:30 p.m., Friday, July 4, 2003
Washington Monument Grounds

The optimum viewing areas for the fireworks will be at a distance from the launch site (Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool). These areas include:
U.S. Capitol
Lincoln Memorial
National Mall between 14th Street and the U.S. Capitol
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Ellipse
West Potomac Park
East Potomac Park
Anacostia Park
Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) Memorial
George Washington Memorial Parkway across the Potomac River in Virginia

If you view the fireworks near the launch site (Reflecting Pool) during the fireworks display:
  Consider wearing eye protection and ear plugs.
  Do not enter the fenced safety zones around the launch site.
  After the fireworks, do not walk along Independence Ave. between Daniel Chester French Dr. and 17th St. until safety teams clear the area of potentially harmful fireworks debris.

Arrive early in the day to stake out your viewing spot!