A capital celebration

Southern Living, Jul 2001 by Vanhooser, Cassandra M

Take your family to Washington, D. C., for one grand Fourth of July.

A light breeze tugs at the flag hanging at the base of the Capitol dome. As the snn sinks behind the Washington, D.C., skyline, this most patriotic day melts into a star-spangled night, and the Fourth of July concert gets under way on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building, Singer Audra McDonald steps to the microphone, and a hush falls over the crowd. Thousands rise in unison and turn to face the United States Capitol Building. Hands over hearts, a nation salutes the flag as Audra sings the National Anthem.

All across the country, Americans pause to mark he country's birth date-July 4, 1776-when the 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. But this single moment embodies the patriotic fervor that brings Americans to the Nation's Capital, where Independence Day takes on special meaning.

"There's more energy in the air because so many people come from out of town to be here," says one observer from Hyattsville, Maryland. "It feels more like a celebration of independence rather than just a fireworks show. It's special. It means more somehow."

This Independence Day dawns bright and clear, but storm clouds loom on the horizon, and a heavy blanket of humidity settles over the city. The threatening weather fails to dampen the spirits of revelers, evidenced by the crowd gathering on the steps of the National Archives.

Costumed characters dressed as George Washington, Abigail Adams, Patrick Henry, and Betsy Ross roam the crowd. Kids and adults ask for autographs and pose for pictures with these time travelers. The highpitched whine of the fife and the rat-a-tat-tat of colonial drums hang in the air as festivities get under way. Then, with quiet reverence, the crowd waits as the Declaration of Independence is read aloud. Musket fire salutes the name of each signer.

The day's festivities continue with the National Independence Day Parade. Entrants from all across the nation march down Constitution Avenue, beaming with pride. On the reviewing stand, Maj. Gen. Arnold Fields of the United States Marine Corps salutes each flag and each military unit that passes.

"That's the least I can do," he says firmly. "I was asked by the parade committee to be the official military reviewer today, and I am very honored to have been asked."

It's an all-American parade. Cloggers from Manassas, Virginia, tap and twirl their way down the street. Shriners dressed as clowns chase each other in tiny go-carts. Vietnam pilots stand at attention beside a helicopter pulled with a truck and trailer. There are dozens of high school bands playing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," floats bearing beauty queens, and a 50-horse unit all the way from Idaho.

"I noticed as folks passed by that this is real America," the Major General muses. "It's such an eclectic gathering of people from all across the United States. Everybody is working together, in step and in harmony as our democracy would wish us to be."

As the day matures, more and more people pour into the city. They spread quilts on the grassy expanse of The National Mall. Some buy hot dogs and ice cream from street vendors, while others unveil elaborate picnic baskets. Babies nap on blankets in the shade, and the young and energetic play volleyball and touch football.

While it's a time for fun and games, the Fourth of July also brings thousands to the city's memorials. At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, visitors leave red roses, letters, poems, and medals. A lone graduation cap rests against a section of black granite.

Here, a volunteer climbs a metal ladder and lays a yellow slip of paper against the wall. She gently rubs a name with a chunk of lead, descends the ladder, and hands the name to a young woman. Inscribed across the memento are the words "He gave his life for the freedom we have today."

By the time evening settles on the city, the sea of people stretches from the top of the Capitol steps to the Potomac River. Half a million have come to celebrate the birthday of the nation.

Few are more excited than the members of South Dakota State University's marching band as they prepare for the evening's performance. The 220 band members made the 31-hour bus trip to march in the parade and perform in the concert.

"It's unbelievable," gushes band director Jim McKinney. "It's the thrill of a lifetime. You've got to realize that in South Dakota we have 700,000 people total, so the crowd here tonight is almost the same size as our whole state."

As the star-studded concert begins, a light breeze chases the heat and clouds from this D.C. day. Cicadas play their summer song. The tiniest sliver of a new moon sparkles in a darkening sky. A single red balloon, set free from a child's careless hand, drifts toward heaven.

Soon Ray Charles is crooning "America the Beautiful," and fireworks erupt around the Washington Monument. When the fiery display fades, there's a smile on every face.

For more information: Contact the Washington, DC Convention & Visitors Association, 1212 New York Avenue NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 789-7000 or www.washington.org.