On this Semiquincentennial Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is also notable that it is the Bicentennial Anniversary of the passing of two Founding Fathers, who collaborated on the Declaration of Independence; then became dire political “enemies”; and then reestablished fast friendship by letters until they jointly passed away on July 4, 1826.
Thomas Jefferson passed away early on the 50th Anniversary, and John Adams died in the evening, uttering the statement: “Thomas Jefferson still survives”, not accurate, but an indication of their closeness and collaboration on the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of a new nation.
Interestingly, the 5th President, James Monroe, died on the Fourth of July five years later, in 1831, making three of the first five Presidents and “Founding Fathers”, who died on that most significant national holiday.
Hahaha. Trump can’t have his big fireworks show tonight because of storms.
Good! Love it when Trump has a bad day!
He’s still hoping to give his big speech.
Trump’s speech is scheduled for 11. They’re hoping to have the fireworks after he finishes.
I predict he speaks for two hours. It will be about how great he thinks he is. Everyone will be asleep by the time the fireworks start.
Trump came on shortly after 11. He spoke for 40 minutes. His speech mixed partisan politics with patriotic appeals.
He honored veterans, including several from World War II and one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat in Vietnam. They appeared before flags that symbolized some of the most significant and challenging moments in American history, from the one that was draped over Abraham Lincoln’s casket to the one that flew on the plane piloted by the Wright Brothers.
Yet he also stumped again for the SAVE America Act, highlighted his support for the Second Amendment, and railed against “communists” in the US.
Afterwards, he had a huge fireworks display that went on for 40 minutes, creating lots of air pollution and probably scaring pets and wildlife and veterans with PTSD.
Also, White nationalists were marching in DC.
https://www.ms.now/the-weekend/watch/white-nationalists-march-in-d-c-on-july-4th-2505644611952
Trump Spirals Over Crowd Size After Delivering Speech to Empty Seats
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-spirals-over-crowd-size-after-delivering-speech-to-empty-seats-on-national-mall/
NASA Leader Flew His Vintage Jet at DC Air Show Over FAA Objections
https://www.wsj.com/business/airlines/nasa-leader-flew-his-vintage-jet-at-dc-air-show-over-faa-objections-ab2e0e62