The Fourth of July Celebration:
The National Archives celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with a traditional Fourth of July program. The celebration includes patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence and exciting free family activities and entertainment for all ages.This popular family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the Constitution Avenue steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Highlights of the morning ceremony and family activities throughout the day include:
The National Archives celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with a traditional Fourth of July program. The celebration includes patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence and exciting free family activities and entertainment for all ages.This popular family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the Constitution Avenue steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Highlights of the morning ceremony and family activities throughout the day include:
10 a.m. until 11 a.m. - Ceremony:
- Presentation of Colors by the Continental Color Guard
- Performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps
- Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Ned Hector, Town Crier William Joseph, and two Operation Iraqi Freedom wounded veterans from Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. - Family Activities:
Family friendly activities take place during the afternoon, usually with costumed interpreters portraying famous American figures such as George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and many others.
Family friendly activities take place during the afternoon, usually with costumed interpreters portraying famous American figures such as George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and many others.
