Washington: Hello from bustling Washington DC, which is gearing up to host a major national celebration of America’s 250th birthday. It’s currently 36 degrees here, heading towards 38 or 39. The “feels like” temperature is warmer.
It’s our fourth day in a row in these conditions and unfortunately, some of the cases have been heat casualties.
Organizers canceled the annual Independence Day parade, which usually takes place near the National Mall, and other daytime programs have been canceled.
At this point, official celebrations in Washington will begin at 7pm (9am AEST), with President Donald Trump speaking at 9.45pm, followed by a 40-minute-long fireworks display.
Information continues to change – I have received multiple emails in the last 12 hours changing the time guests must arrive and clear security at the Mall. To say it’s a bit chaotic would be a fair summary.
But as I write, a long and interesting military journey has just begun over Washington and the National Mall. We expect to see NASA, the Coast Guard, the US Air Force and the Navy showing off their products, including the F-35, B-1 bombers and Air Force One.
Big events are also taking place elsewhere, including a live reading of the US Constitution at Mount Vernon – the former home of George and Martha Washington – while New York Harbor welcomes its largest-ever fleet of tall ships from around the world.
Happy 4th!
