Photo: Alamy
The Great American State Fair on the National Mall enters its first full weekend with a special tribute Sunday honoring U.S. military veterans, active-duty service members, military families and the more than 1.2 million Americans who have died in military service since 1775.
The 16-day event, which celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary, officially opened Wednesday with remarks from President Donald Trump.
“There has never been anything like the United States of America, and together we are making it bigger and better and stronger and far more exceptional than ever before,” President Trump said. “We have the strongest military on Earth. …We have the greatest culture on Earth.”
The fair stretches across 11 blocks of Washington’s National Mall through July 10, bringing together all 50 states and U.S. territories to showcase their history, culture, food, music and traditions.
Among the event’s featured attractions are a 110-foot Ferris wheel and a large-scale model of the president’s proposed triumphal arch bearing the inscription, “Liberty and Justice for All.”
Organizers say the event is designed to celebrate the people and traditions that have shaped the United States while giving visitors an opportunity to experience the nation’s diversity in one location.
The fair features state pavilions, industry exhibits, family activities, movie screenings, musical performances, military bands, aerial demonstrations, and daily cultural programming.
Each of the event’s 16 days highlights a different theme tied to American history and values, including enterprise, innovation, community, and family life.
Sunday’s Military Appreciation Day will recognize active-duty service members, veterans, and military families through ceremonies and special programming honoring their service and sacrifice. Since the nation’s founding in 1775, more than 1.2 million U.S. service members have died while serving their country.
The celebration will continue July 3 with “A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration,” airing live on public television stations nationwide. The program begins at 8 p.m. ET on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and will honor military members and their families while commemorating 250 years of military service.
The festivities culminate on Independence Day with what organizers say will be a record-setting fireworks display featuring 850,000 fireworks launched from 10 locations, including the Lincoln Memorial.
