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Scenes like this are unlikely as the US faces an increase in coronavirus cases
For millions of Americans, celebrating July 4th involves certain rituals and traditions.
Parades, public fireworks, and large family gatherings are some of the most popular ways in which Americans mark the independence of the nation of Great Britain in 1776.
But this year it will look a little different. This is why.
1) Parades canceled
Sadly, it looks like the floats will have to stay in the garage this year.
Cities in the United States have canceled their annual parades as coronavirus cases continue to rise. The National Independence Day Parade in Washington DC is the highest-profile victim.
“Covid-19 infection levels will not decrease as long as it is safe,” its organizers said in a rather depressed statement.
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The annual parade in Washington DC has been canceled due to coronavirus
But others have approached things with a more creative touch.
In the small town of Montgomery, Ohio, there will be a “reverse parade” where motorists will pass a stationary show with the regular brass band, stilt walkers and floats.
Either way, we are unlikely to see the kind of exhibition events we are used to. There is always at least next year.
2) secret fireworks
Fireworks displays are synonymous with Independence Day, and while a number of events were canceled, not all of it is bad news.
Some organizers have devised clever ways to make sure they can move on without crowds gathering to watch.
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Some cities are trying to keep crowds from gathering to see the exhibits
In New York, the Macy’s Fireworks Show is held over a series of nights at unspecified locations and times. Each show will last only five minutes to prevent crowds from gathering.
Other cities, such as Boston and Houston, are encouraging people to watch fireworks from home on television or online. Which brings us very well to …
3) … virtual events
It’s fair to say that this pandemic has pushed many people to do more online, and that seems to include celebrating Independence Day.
A host of events will stream online so they can be enjoyed safely at home.
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The fourth Capitol concert in Washington DC is one of the best known. This year, it was previously recorded at “iconic locations across the country” and will be shown both online and on television.
And in Los Angeles, an art center will host an “online party” with music and other performances shown live on Facebook. Many other cities plan to broadcast their own concerts live.
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What better way to commemorate the birth of a nation?
Oh, and one of the most outrageous Independence Day traditions, Nathan’s hot dog eating contest, go ahead with several Covid-19 precautions.
The centuries-old competition will be shown on television where it previously drew nearly two million viewers. Some traditions are sacred, after all.
4) ‘Sorry, we are closed’
While some event organizers are finding innovative ways to stay on track, it can’t be helped that many public spaces will be closed this weekend.
Bars and restaurants will remain closed in many states, as officials continue to delay plans to reopen after the recent surge in coronavirus cases.
And the beaches in states like Florida and California, which would normally be full of tourists, will be closed to the public.
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There have been protests about the closure of beaches, like this one in California
But there is some comfort if you had planned a trip to see a major attraction.
A few offer some form of online tour, including the USS Constitution, which is one of the oldest warships in the world. It is slated to broadcast virtual tours, as well as a live salute of 21 weapons to commemorate Independence Day on Saturday.
5) protests and politics
Beyond the pandemic, the US has also been rocked by another major news event this year.
The death of African-American George Floyd in police custody in May sparked protests across the country and led to new demands to end institutional racism. Many of these protests were directed at statues of controversial historical figures.
Now some officials are concerned that Independence Day may see more clashes at monuments and sites.
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Monuments to the Confederacy, a group of southern states that fought to keep slaves, have been attacked
President Donald Trump’s administration has established “rapid deployment teams” to protect federal monuments across the country before the long weekend.
“While the department respects the right of all Americans to protest peacefully, violence and civil unrest will not be tolerated,” Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement announcing the move.
There are also plans for the Black Lives Matter protests on July 4 in a swath of cities like Orlando, Newark and Washington DC.
6) The start date
While most of this year’s events will take place on the 4th, the celebrations will start on the 3rd.
That’s when President Trump will travel to Mount Rushmore National Monument in South Dakota for the first fireworks display in more than a decade.
It has been shown to be a controversial plan for several reasons. First of all, there are environmental concerns, as some fear that the exhibition may trigger forest fires in the surrounding forest.
And Native American groups plan to protest Trump’s visit, as the monument to former US presidents was built on land sacred to the Sioux tribe.
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President Trump will bring fighter jets and fireworks to Mount Rushmore on July 3
The event has also drawn criticism because social distancing will not apply and masks will not be mandatory. “We told those people that they have concerns that they may stay home,” said the Republican governor.
Trump has also promised a “special night” in Washington DC, where 10,000 fireworks will be lit as part of the “Salute to America” event, which is still taking place.
But city mayor Muriel Bowser expressed concern and urged people to stay home. “Ask yourself, do you need to be there?” she said. “Do you know if you will be able to social distance?”
Their disagreement points to the strained political background that will likely make this year’s Independence Day, in more ways than one, different from any other.
