President Donald Trump is set to kick off the nation’s 250th birthday festivities with a speech at Mount Rushmore on Friday evening (July 3), marking the start of a weekend-long celebration dubbed Freedom 250. The event at the iconic national memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, will feature military bands, ceremonial flyovers, tributes to all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and will conclude with a large fireworks display—the first at the monument in several years, according to the National Park Service.

President Trump’s remarks are scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET, following a day filled with educational exhibits, historical re-enactments, and family-friendly programming. The event is ticketed, with 4,800 guests selected by public lottery, and is organized by Freedom 250 in partnership with the National Park Service, the State of South Dakota, and the U.S. Department of Interior. South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are also expected to deliver remarks before the fireworks begin, as reported by the Argus Leader.

The fireworks show, worth $700,000, was approved after environmental and safety assessments by the National Park Service. While the area has recently experienced spotty storms and remains under severe-to-extreme drought, organizers say that if weather causes cancellation, the event will not be rescheduled. Local highways near Mount Rushmore have been temporarily closed for security and logistical reasons.

Friday’s event is the prelude to a major Fourth of July celebration in Washington, D.C., where President Trump will deliver what he has called the "most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all." The capital’s celebration, also organized by Freedom 250, will include historic military flyovers and what is planned to be the largest fireworks display ever held on the National Mall, using nearly 850,000 fireworks. The Department of Homeland Security has designated the D.C. event as a national security event, with extensive crowd and air traffic management in place, according to The Times.

Across the country, other cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Los Angeles will host their own major celebrations, concerts, and fireworks displays as part of the ongoing America 250 observances.

Brooke Taylor

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