Trump's Salute To America July 4: Livestream, Protests, Speech

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The newest addition to the annual parade, Capitol Fourth concert and fireworks in the nation's capitol on the Fourth of July is President Donald Trump's "Salute To America." The gathering of tanks, bombers and other military machinery that kicks off with a speech by the commander in chief at the Lincoln Memorial. But thunderstorms moving through the DC region put the president's plans on hold for a bit, although skies have since cleared.

The president still plans to deliver remarks at the event tonight, despite an earlier announcement there would be a delay in the program, CNN reports. Trump's speech is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET. Cable news outlets and C-Span have planned to carry the speech; watch it live.

White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said there has not been a cancelation. About 5 p.m. Trump tweeted that clearing weather means he'll be at the venue at 6:30 p.m.

Under White House direction, the Pentagon has arranged for an Air Force B-2 stealth bomber and other warplanes to conduct flyovers of the celebration on the National Mall. There will be Navy F-35 and F-18 fighter jets, the Navy Blue Angels aerial acrobatics team, Army and Coast Guard helicopters and Marine V-22 Ospreys.

Two Bradley fighting vehicles were in place Wednesday near the Lincoln Memorial, where Trump will deliver his speech. The event will be shown

A small number of 60-ton Army Abrams battle tanks were sent to Washington by rail to be positioned on or near the National Mall.

Officials have issued a permit for a protest by the Codepink anti-war group, which said use of the Bradley fighting vehicles reflected the “politicization of July Fourth and the militarization of July Fourth and we resent this,” WJLA reports.

The group plans to have what's been dubbed the "Baby Trump" balloon — which depicts the president as an angry, diaper-clad baby — aloft near the Mall, CBS News reports. But National Park Service rules forbid filling the balloon with helium, to it will be closer to the ground and less visible.

Anti-Trump veterans plan to hand out T-shirts for the USS John McCain in order to tweak Trump, who has mocked the late senator and former prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

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Trump had wanted a military parade of tanks and other equipment in Washington after he watched a military parade on Bastille Day in Paris in 2017.

A ticket-only area in front of the Lincoln Memorial is being set aside for VIPs, including members of Trump's family, friends and members of the military, the White House said. The Republican National Committee is distributing a "small number" of tickets to the event.

The White House has released excerpts of the president's speech, as prepared for delivery. The include:

• "Today, we come together as ONE NATION with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag--the brave men and women of the United States Military!

• As we gather this evening in the joy of freedom, we remember that we ALL share a truly extraordinary heritage. Together, we are part of one of the greatest stories ever told--the story of AMERICA.

• That same American Spirit that emboldened our founders has kept us strong throughout our history. To this day, that spirit runs through the veins of every American patriot. It lives on in each and every one of YOU.

• Today, just as it did 243 years ago, the future of American Freedom rests on the shoulders of men and women willing to defend it.

• As long as we stay true to our cause--as long as we remember our great history--and as long as we never stop fighting for a better future--then there will be NOTHING that America cannot do."

The story includes reporting by the Associated Press.