Jul. 3 at 7:05 PM
$OCGN If your goal is to really soak in the significance of America’s 250th birthday, I’d make it an all-day experience rather than just watching the fireworks. This is a once-in-a-generation event.
My recommended viewing schedule
Afternoon
* Watch coverage of the military flyovers from Washington, D.C.
* The National Mall festivities begin during the afternoon, with aircraft demonstrations every hour, including the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, historic aircraft, and other military demonstrations.
Evening (best part)
Beginning around 7:00 p.m. Eastern (4:00 p.m. Arizona time)
You’ll see:
* Patriotic musical performances
* Military bands
* Tributes to veterans and first responders
* Historical segments
* The buildup to the President’s remarks
President Trump’s speech
Current schedule lists:
* 9:45 p.m. Eastern
* 6:45 p.m. Arizona time
The speech will be delivered from the Lincoln Memorial / National Mall area as the centerpiece of the celebration.
Fireworks
Currently scheduled:
* 10:30 p.m. Eastern
* 7:30 p.m. Arizona time
Organizers are calling it the largest fireworks display in U.S. history, with approximately 850,000 shells launched from 10 locations around Washington. It is expected to last about 40 minutes.
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Is Newsmax the best place?
If you’re wanting the celebration from a patriotic perspective with minimal interruptions:
Newsmax is probably one of your best options.
They’ve announced all-day special coverage dedicated to America’s 250th Birthday.
That said:
* Newsmax — likely the most continuous coverage with commentary that emphasizes the patriotic celebration.
* Fox News — also expected to carry extensive live coverage.
* The official Freedom 250 livestream may provide the least-interrupted view of the ceremonies and fireworks if that’s what you’re after.
If I personally wanted to experience the event as if I were standing on the Mall, I’d probably:
1. Keep the official livestream on a TV or computer.
2. Have Newsmax on another screen for commentary and context.
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Other major celebrations worth seeing
Besides Washington:
* New York City
* Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
* Tall ships
* Times Square Ball dropping eight times to represent the U.S. time zones.
* Philadelphia
* Concerts
* Historic ceremonies
* Independence Hall celebrations.
* Mount Rushmore National Memorial
* President Trump is also scheduled to speak there as part of the anniversary observances before the Washington celebration.
As someone who enjoys American history and tradition, I think this will be one of those rare Independence Days people remember for decades. Between the 250th anniversary, the large-scale ceremonies, military flyovers, and the expanded fireworks, it’s designed to be much bigger than a typical Fourth of July celebration.
