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“The United States is a leader in a world turning, day by day, toward freedom. In Central America and Africa and elsewhere, the tide of the future is a freedom tide. The impulse to create democratic government not only endures; it grows, and that, in spite of real resistance from those who believe in freedom not a bit,” President Ronald Reagan told the nation on July 4, 1984.
“Other countries see our entrepreneurial spirit and seek to emulate it. They see how a vigorous, free society allows man to move on and grow. They see how we’re trying to make life better for man through scientific inquiry. They see us pushing into space. Other systems are locked on to the land, prisoners of a gravity of their own devising. America is a rocket, pushing upward and outward into space — and into human history,” Reagan continued.
“We have 208 years of history behind us. But somehow, these days, we know the whole world is before us. And we can feel as Teddy Roosevelt did when he surveyed the world at the turn of the century. He said this: ’We Americans see across the dangers the great future that lies beyond, and we rejoice as a giant refreshed, as a strong man ready for the race. The great victories are yet to be won; the greatest deeds yet to be done. There are for our people and for the causes we uphold, grander triumphs than have ever yet been scored,’” he said.
“Well, so it is, and it will be. Despite our differences and disagreements, this is a happy, decent, united country. The bells still ring for America. A philosopher said recently, ’For that, we must be truly grateful.’ Happy Fourth of July! May God bless you, and may He continue to bless the Nation He showered with His love for more than two centuries,” Reagan concluded.
Find this speech — shown here with original punctuation and capitalization — at ReaganLibrary.gov.
WHAT TRUMP SAID
Then-President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump journeyed to Mount Rushmore to mark Independence Day in 2020. Here’s a small portion of what Mr. Trump told an enthusiastic crowd:
“We gather to herald the most important day in the history of nations: July 4, 1776. At those words, every American heart should swell with pride. Every American family should cheer with delight. And every American patriot should be filled with joy, because each of you lives in the most magnificent country in the history of the world, and it will soon be greater than ever before,” Mr. Trump said.
“Our founders launched not only a revolution in government, but a revolution in the pursuit of justice, equality, liberty, and prosperity. No nation has done more to advance the human condition than the United States of America. And no people have done more to promote human progress than the citizens of our great nation,” Mr. Trump said.
THE BIG BANG
This Independence Day may be a little noisier than usual. Public interest in fireworks is booming.
“Fireworks are as deeply rooted in American tradition as the Statue of Liberty, jazz music, and Route 66. It is believed that Captain John Smith set off the first American display, in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1608,” reports the American Pyrotechnics Association, a nonprofit industry source based in North Carolina.
“We expect a banner year for fireworks sales. Despite inflationary pressures, ocean shipping rates have declined since the height of the supply chain crisis during COVID-19, making consumer fireworks more affordable this year by 5-10%,” the group said.
“Our member companies are reporting strong consumer fireworks sales numbers, and we predict revenues could exceed $2.4 billion for the 2024 fireworks season,” said Julie L. Heckman, executive director of the association, in a written statement.
She also emphasized the importance of purchasing only legal consumer fireworks.
“Leave the use of professional fireworks to those who are properly trained and certified. These experts adhere to local permitting, licensing, and insurance requirements, as well as state and local codes and standards,” Ms. Heckman said.
Find the association at americanpyro.com.
FOXIFIED
Fox News will showcase its signature “Proud American” series in honor of Independence Day with patriotic-themed programming.
Presented by Tunnel to Towers, the special programming will be broadcast live on Thursday across the Fox News Media platforms — which include Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, Fox Digital, Fox News Audio and Fox Nation.
Co-hosts Carley Shimkus, Lawrence Jones, Aishah Hasnie and Johnny Joey Jones will present a two-hour live program from New York City beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
“The Big Independence Day Special” will also showcase live fireworks from Washington, Bristol, Rhode Island, and Asbury Park, New Jersey, along with patriotic musical performances from former police officer and country-music artist Frank Ray. Patriotic messages from veterans and viewers will be broadcast live.
ON THE MOVE
AAA advises that 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day “holiday travel period” — a newly designated time interval. Americans will take 60.6 million trips by car, 5.7 million by air and 4.6 by other means, such as train or bus.
“For the first time, AAA looked at the entire July 4th week, plus the Saturday before and the Sunday after the holiday. This year’s projected number of travelers for that time period is a 5% increase compared to 2023 and an 8% increase over 2019,” the organization said.
“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day, We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel.
POLL DU JOUR
• 66% of U.S. adults will attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic on July Fourth.
• 44% will attend a community celebration and watch fireworks.
• 13% will attend a parade.
• 13% will not celebrate July Fourth.
• 12% will travel or go on vacation.
• 7% will be involved in some “other” activity.
SOURCE: A National Retail Federation/Prosper Insists & Analytics survey of 8,952 U.S. adults conducted online June 3-9; participants could choose more than one activity.
• Happy Independence Day, and thank you for reading Inside the Beltway.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.