Independence Day at Historic Mount Vernon - Daytime Fireworks! July 4, 2009

Historic Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, salutes our first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event! For the first time ever, visitors will be treated to spectacular made-for-daytime fireworks in patriotic colors fired during the finale of the National Concert Band of America’s performance. The event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens (also new this year), military reenactments, a special wreathlaying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last), and a visit from the “first” first couple, “General and Mrs. Washington.”

All day: “General and Mrs. Washington” will be on hand to greet and take photographs with visitors. In the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, visitors can cool down in the Revolutionary War Theater where “snow” falls on the audience as Washington is crossing the Delaware River.

9:30 a.m: Re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment assemble for inspection by “General Washington” on the Bowling Green, where the Declaration of Independence will be read by the First Virginia Regiment.

10:00 a.m: Visitors may join the George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in a procession to George Washington’s Tomb for a special wreathlaying ceremony.

11:00 a.m: A special Independence Day naturalization
ceremony for America’s 100 newest citizens with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

12:00 p.m: The annual “Red, White and Blue Concert” takes place featuring patriotic favorites by the National Concert Band of America, an 80-member company of retired musicians from each of the United States Armed Services’ bands.

12:45 p.m – 12:50 p.m: A pyrotechnic salute to America from the home of George Washington! Watch as a colorful display of made-for-daytime fireworks are fired over the Potomac river.

1:00 p.m: Mount Vernon’s all-American birthday cake will be offered to visitors (while supplies last).

1:30 p.m: Fife and drum corps will perform military music and drills.

2:30 p.m: Revolutionary War military demonstrations by the First Virginia Regiment take place on the Bowling Green.

Official Website: http://Visit.MountVernon.org