The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
Presidents have held Fourth of July celebrations at the White House for over 200 years. In honor of July 4th, 2015, the President and First Lady will commemorate the occasion with the company of military families, rejoicing in freedom and love for our country.
"It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."
—John Adams, 1776
On July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, and the Liberty Bell rang a sound of freedom at Independence Hall. Since that day, affectionately known as America's birthday, the White House has celebrated liberty and justice for all each summer. President Thomas Jefferson held the first Fourth of July event at the People's House in 1801, and 20th century presidents have continued the tradition. Check out these Independence Day highlights from the past 60 years:
Crowds attend the fireworks on the National Mall with the Washington Monument in the background. Eisenhower administration, 7/4/1954.
John F. Kennedy delivers a Fourth of July address at the Governors Conference at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA. 7/4/62.
White House staff members watch Fourth of July fireworks from the White House lawn. The Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial are in the background. Nixon administration, 7/4/69.
July 4th celebration on the South Lawn. Carter administration, 7/4/80.
Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan, with Earle Jorgensen, Caroline Deaver and Mike Deaver, watch the fireworks at the July 4th Independence Day Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House. 7/4/81.
The South Lawn of the White House as military families enjoyed the holiday on July 4, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
July 4, 2011 "I'm always trying to capture how people react to the President especially when he works a rope line. On the Fourth of July, the President was greeting members of the military and their families on the South Lawn when a young girl struck a salute as the President approached." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
A crowd watches the end of Brad Paisley's performance on the South Lawn of the White House as fireworks erupt over the National Mall, July 4, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Members of the President’s Own United States Marine Band practice for the Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House, July 1, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
President Barack Obama, with First Lady Michelle Obama and military service members, delivers remarks from the Blue Room Balcony during the Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House, July 4, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
First Lady Michelle Obama, left, Malia Obama and President Barack Obama watch the Fourth of July fireworks from the roof of the White House, July 4, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
The President and First Lady will be commemorating the Fourth of July in true White House fashion, with more than 1,300 American military heroes and their families on the South Lawn. You can keep up with the celebration, including remarks from the President, a ceremony to welcome a group of new citizens, and a nighttime fireworks spectacular, right here at WhiteHouse.gov/Fourth-of-July.
"This is the day when we celebrate the very essence of America and the spirit that has defined us as a people and as a nation for more than two centuries."
—President Obama, July 4, 2010
