According to reports from The Washington Post and others on July 3, the "Great American Expo" taking place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., suspended operations until 5 p.m. due to concerns about heat-related illnesses.
Several attendees at the expo reportedly showed symptoms of heat-related conditions and required treatment from paramedics. Organizers stated, "The safety and well-being of our visitors, volunteers, and performers is our top priority."
The National Mall is a large grassy area that hosts major tourist attractions, including the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Large-scale celebrations, fireworks, and an air show are scheduled for Independence Day on July 4.
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a major parade planned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding was canceled due to the heat. The parade was expected to be the largest in the country, but officials deemed marching in such conditions too dangerous.
Parades in Leesburg, Virginia, and Takoma Park, Maryland, were also canceled.
On this day, heat advisories or warnings were issued for regions across the eastern and central United States, affecting approximately 180 million residents. Forecasts indicate that the heat will persist through July 5, raising uncertainty about whether planned celebrations will proceed as scheduled.
The National Mall is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators for the fireworks and air show. With President Donald Trump scheduled to speak, security measures are expected to be heightened, raising concerns about potential heat-related illnesses during long wait times.
The United States has been preparing for large-scale celebrations this year to mark its 250th anniversary. President Trump has referred to the July 4 event as a "Trump rally," emphasizing the political nature of the Independence Day celebrations.
Meanwhile, a naval review and tall ship parade will take place off the coast near New York on July 4. According to the U.S. Navy, at least 53 naval vessels from the United States and its key allies will participate in the review.
The USS Nimitz, the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, which was commissioned in 1975 and is set to retire next year, will also take part in the review. The South Korean Navy is sending the destroyer Munmu the Great (DDH-II, 4,400 tons).
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to board the USS Kearsarge on July 4 to review the fleet alongside foreign naval representatives and deliver a speech commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
This will be the seventh time the United States has hosted an international naval review. It marks the fourth occasion that a major tall ship parade and naval review have been held together in New York, following the 200th anniversary in 1976, the centennial of the Statue of Liberty in 1986, and the millennium celebrations in 2000.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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