Pentagon considering military flyovers, bands for July 4 celebration
The Pentagon is weighing a request from the White House to support a July Fourth celebration on the National Mall that may include military aircraft flyovers, band performances and other displays, according to a defense official.
President Donald Trump has promised a second Independence Day celebration in the nation's capital this year despite an outcry from lawmakers concerned about the public health implications of holding a large event amid the coronavirus pandemic. Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser will permit business to begin re-opening this weekend, but is still prohibiting gatherings larger than 10 people.
The White House has said it will take precautions this year to ensure public safety, although it has not provided details about what such measures would entail.
"It will have a different look than 2019 to ensure the health and safety of those attending," said White House spokesperson Judd Deere. "The American people have shown tremendous courage and spirit in the fight against this global pandemic just as our forefathers did in the fight to secure our independence, and both deserve celebration on America’s birthday this year."
The defense official said it is "not unusual" for the department to support such requests "with aerial displays, bands or other ceremonial support."
"Any potential support would be in coordination with the White House Military Office, the Department of the Interior and with local authorities,” the official said. Last year's celebration included military vehicles, flyovers and ceremonial troops.
But a group of Democratic lawmakers representing the District, Maryland and Virginia warned Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt against holding another July Fourth celebration in a letter Tuesday.
The lawmakers, led by Virginia Rep. Don Beyer, contended a large July Fourth event can't be safely held given the large crowd that would like attend.
They also warned against staging an event that could cost millions amid the pandemic. Trump's "Salute to America" cost Washington, D.C. and the federal government over $5 million last year.
"Should the president continue with his plan to hold another 'Salute to America' event, it would have detrimental impacts on not only those that live in the National Capital Region, but all those who travel in from other areas of the country to attend," the Democrats wrote.
"The Administration, including your agencies, should be focusing on helping American families, not on a vanity project for the president," they warned.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior said the department and National Park Service are continuing to plan for an Independence Day celebration "that ensures the health and safety of those attending.”
