beyond. >> let's start with storm team 4 meteorologist amelia draper and the latest on the storms. amelia, we knew this would pp ha, and indeed the situation is playing out right now, susan, with very heavy rain and lots of lightning in parts of the area.o of russ getting a break and some of us are seeing some light showers. those light showers right now falling down at the national mall. i want to take you first to the national mall where i circled it in red and you can see some light rain moving through. only green coloring here showing up on s orm team 4 radar. we did see very heavy rainfall there earlier including the lincoln memorial that. no longer the case.e now let's h out to the bigger picture here on the radar where i'm seeing some very heavy rain continue down into parts of prince william county, especially around the woodbridge area and into manassas and then back around i-8 is. look at this rain of heavy rain and thunderstorms that has set up pretty much around the i-81

corridor. notice most of maryland now is dry, and i think a lot of us are going to be okay for fireworks tonight. when i say that, yes, the ground is going to be damp out there. there might be some showers in spots, but i think a lot of the thunderstorm activity is showing signs of fizzling out and will continue to fizzle out once the fireworks start to go off. here's future weather at 7:00 p.m. notice still some showers potentially in the metro area and no heavy rain, no thund storms which would lead to evacuations, but, guys, that's where the strong line of thunderstorms has developed. it really hasn't moved so we could see some big issues out that way, including areas ofw chester and luray. we could see some flooding concerns and postponement of fireworks. much more on the fireworks >> you got it, amelia.near the . a scuffle bewoeen t groups of

demonstrators caused problems. here's news 4's jackie bensen with more on what'sg. happenin >> reporter: i have a lot of new information for you, and we have some new video for you. we could have that for you and show you what it looks like when that happened. we're told that two people are under arrest for what is described as a permitted flag-burning. this group was given a permit for a burning of an historic betsy ross type of flag, the one with the stars in a circle here in lafayette park. to do so legally they are required to have proper equipment and fire extinguisher, what's known as a burn pit and en they are given a permit to do that. however, we are told that the people doing this violated that -- that permit from the national park service by -- by stepping out of lafayette park

and pennsylvania avenue so at that point the groups that were double there protesting for and against, but i can tell you the uniformed secret service had everybody mf ed outat area. the new bicycle racks are in police and now arrests by the secret service afer a permitted. live at lafayette park, jackie bensen, news 4. >> thanks, jackie. president t smp is nowing he is on his way right now to the lincoln memorial. >> the rain is starting to let upere and people were forced to takes cover and even evacuate an area by the capitol. >> more coverage continues with corey smith down at the lincn

memorial are carouse have been gathering all day. we heard steffy rollings of thunder, and as the president tweeted he's going to be speaking ndtonight, a that's why so many of the people that you see here behind me have come to the national mall. a steady stream continues to flow in. it's been that way since about 2:00. tyou can seehe stage off in the distance. it has been cleared. that's when that announcement that the program wasye dela was made, but you might be able to hear the helicopter above. got to think that's good news for the folks out here to see the flyover and hopefully the rain will not dampen the fireworks. we'll also get guidance on what people want him to say. many want him to strike a uniform stone. together about togetherness. >> he'll at l st try do that. ention is one nation, the american hair damage, why we all come together, and so reallyre

rdless of whatever your political stripes, are everyone is just hoping to hear a message of togetherness and unity but right now everybody hopes that che rain holds off and the president's speeas not been delayed. he's tweeted out he's on his way here and he'll be speaking sometime between 6:30 and 7:00 and we'll be here and have complete coverage for you on wnews 4. >>want everyone down there to be safe. >> for sure. >> thanks, cory. >> now, another site getting a t lot of antion in that area, the baby trump blimp. >> news 4's mark segraves is live for us. wehear the blimp is now back up. is that right? a >> reporter: take picture, sir. yeah, we're downere on the mall. you can see the baby trump blimp is back up. taken doad because of the b weather and just reinflated to the cheers of hundreds of people down here. let's walk into the crowd where this is where we're getting a mix of a lot of prol -- pro

president trump people and this is what we earring seeing a lot of animated conversation and disagreements between two sides. haven't seen any fights or violence down here but we've seen a lot of these one-on-one or face-to-"face the nation"offs between the two sides. i will tell you, an you c look right over here at 17 stheet that's closed now to give you an idea that we know that president trump is getting closer. i can tell you i see th chief of police peter newsham has showed up on the street down here at 17th street by the waria memor here. again, the crowds are growing. once again the rain is starting to come down, but that's clearly not deterring people from coming down here for the president's speech and, of course, the fireworks. >> that's the latest. studio. k to you in the >> interesting topic. >> and we all knew a day like this always presentation transportation challenges no matter where you are. >> yeah less. >> especially on a day like today. all the crazy things going on

around here. transportation recorder adam tuss live at the foggy bottom metro station. >> how is it looking out there where you are right now? >> hey, leon, a lot of activity got the chopper overhead that cory was talking about. a mote cade just rolled through here so a lot of people on the move. the vice president may be making his way downtown as well and, of course, the president tweeting that he's coming. as for metro, take a look over here. i've seen larger crowds in years past about this time, but people are still coming off of the metro system right here. ee umbrellas ar up, the rain is presenting some more challenges as we go in and out of these rainy periods. i also want t show you. take a look. this is a flight aware misery map and the map that shows all the airplanes going in and out of reagan national airport. remember, between 6 sack and 7:45 and betweennd:00 a 9:45 tonight there will be no flights in or out of reagan national airport, and that is because of all the flyovers that are about to happen and potentially the

fireworks if they do go off. you seeike one or two planes going in and out right now, and i do want to bring up a story that we brought to you earlier this week of someone who had to readjust their schedule. lthey were in angeles. they had said what's going to happen with them now, they are on their plane in los angeles and they are trying to get back here. their pilot is telling them they are now going have to wait on the runway in los angeles for an hour and a half before they canf take n order to get around the delays and the closures here at reaganrtational airpo so that's just one plane. dozens of planes will have to be going through this so it really interesting to see the ripple effect of what is happening at reagan national airport because of what is about to start. >> hopefully the rlines know in advance that they can do something to accommodate the passengers. cocktails and food, something. >> keep it nice and cope setic. >> we should get our consumer reporter on >> i'm a little busy right now, so, you know.

>> thanks, adam. >> thanks, adam. and, of course, we're watching this when the president comes out to speak now and we'll learn more and keep you posted and we hope to bring the president's remarks live in the 6:30 half hour here. >> now to some disturbing breaking news. a violent police confrontation iner montgom county. >> scott macfarlane is at the live desk and has the video of this incident. scott, what can you tell us about what happened here? >> montgomery cnty police said the post on twitter shows an officer slamming the head of a man who appears to have his hands behind his back. we have blurred and believed out some of the language though some people might find part of this clip disturbing. [ bleep ]. >> get up, boy. >> don't move. [ bleep ]. [ bleep ]. agh! >> crazy, huh? >> bleep, [ bleep ]. you've got my [ bleep ] hand! >> this incident happened at the mcdonald's at connecticut avenue in aspen hill and it wa posted to twitter yesterday.u

as yon see, a police officer is seen driving his kneet into he man's head, and the man's head then slams into the ground. still working to find out what happened befo the video and why police were detaining this montgomery county police say they are opening an investigation and asking for any witnesses to come forward. this comes amid other confrontations involving montgomery county's police department in may and an officer was caught on came use the "n" word and another council member said he was racially profiled. we'll keep looking forr more fom the live desk. i'm scott macfarlane. >> thanks, scott. several confirmed in southern california after a quake rocks the region. >> that's right. the 6.4 quake was centered in t mow may havy desert 150 milesoutside of l.a. near ridge cell. firefighters say the injuries were minor and they also tell ui they are d with house fires now. leaders have declared a state of emergency in ridgecrest because of damage and widespread power out action. take a look at this on store.

right now there's no damage reports in l.a. and people are feeling the aftershocks after southern california's aftershocks back in 1999. >> well, coming up, three shootings in fairfax county this week and potentially all connected. news 4's darcy spence remember joining us with what police ar calling about police activitor. >> firewks injuries are a big problem tonight, and you might be surprised which type of injuries are on e rise. >> and this just in. a flash flood warning issued by the national weather service r parts of prince william county until 9 sack tonight. thunderstorms right now mainly back rnd i-8 is. back rnd i-8 is. more on what this mea for ns

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there you go. he stage ive look at at the likon memorial where president trump is scheduled to look at a fourth of july speech in just about 15 minutes from now. right about now though is also when flights are expected to stop comndg in a out of reagan national airport because of the military flyovers. the airspace has to be cleared and airport breaksed areos supped to be suspended until 7 a 45. stay tuned to news 4.r we hope to bick you the flyovers and that's all coming up live at 6:30. leon? >> another independence day will carry you an extra special meaning for 44 people who became american citizens today. >> the new citizens came from 26 different countries. they had their official swearing in this morning in the halls of the national archives.

vice president mike pence there and transportation secretary elaine chou addressed the new citizens k and cuccinelli administered the oath. >> residents are living in fear. >> police are telling us theoo shngs could be connected, and they may be gangled. >> we spokes to residents in court today and while we were there we talked about a domestic call not related to the news. >> one response prompted a woman to move her holiday cookout. >> a bullet hole, shattered glass and no kids at the playground on the fourth of july. t shootings in just two days. children be here and it's been empty.

>> this woman has packed up her grill and is moving her fourth of july cookout to a safer place. tecause of this gunfire you j en'tan w midnight monday two sheens were shot at this playground and they are expected to be okay.am the se time wednesday night shots fired again. . a man suffered a graze wound. bullets hit two h rs wass in the parking lot and the shooting may be connected and may be gang re ated. >> ioke to residents who have lived in this neighborhood for many, many years and they tell me it's always been very quiet. >> they are also investigating whether the violence is connected to a shooting ton tuesday afternoon on telegraph road just a few miles away. police say the gunfire left three men wounded outside a recording studio and may also ct involve gang aity.

>> two people were taken into custody in the middle of the afternoon. police say it was a domestic situation not connected to the shooting and police are increasing patrols to help residents feel safer. >> as far as i can see this escalating, i mean, back in my day we had sticks and now they have guns and knives. >> reporter: darcy spencer, news 4. >> we are working for yourl hea on america's birthday with a warning tonight p aseople set their eyes to the sky. so get this. e number of eye injuries due to fireworks nearly doubled from 2016 2017 with 1,200 people getting hurt. the danger doesn't end tonight. 28 people a day will be rushed to the emergency room and the week after the july 4th holiday. most of the injuries involve sparklers which can heat up to e 2,000 degres and melt through some metals sending more people to the hospital ea year than

any other type of fireworks. >> you know, it's not just the fireworks. the heat we're experiencing this oek can be dangerous, too. maryland healthicials say the state had its first heatled death of 2019. woman passed away this past sunday afternoon in anne arundel county. the state did not identify her, but they say she's over the age of 65. health experts say the tragic reminder to check in on your older neighbors and relatives to make sure they have got a cool place to stay. >> and it has beenso, so hot in the past couple of days, and today, i mean, the weather and the storms, it's real kind of creating a lot of havoc right now for our party-goers. >> amelia has her eye on all of that for us. >> earlier wthe forecast murkier to what i was thinking for the fireworks displays, but i'm startin ato see few trends set up, so here's what's i'm thinking right now. first there's storm team 4 radar back around the corridor and showers in other par of the

area. this is what i'm seeing right now. we're seeing rain in and around the d.c. metrore a notice just rain not picking up on any thunder on heightening. look back around the i-81 corridor where we have a very distinct line of lightning showing up on storm team 4 radar and very heavy rainfall as well, especially as youeread farth down towards the south. so i want to zoom in now on thel nation mall where i'm just seeing som s light wers there right now and i think based on the radar we'll see some rain here for a little while longer. s could we a thunderstorm develop? i can't rule that out but for the most part whatdoi'm thinkin here at the mall is we're going to continue to see for the most part some showery activity enerally light to moderate in intensity. at least over the next hour. as we talk about the watches and ngrnings out there, we have a flash flood warnin effect for parts of prince william county until 9 sack tonight for

the area here nred. this is out around the woodbridge area. you had really intense rainfall earlier. to two, three inches of rain fell in spots. never drive your car through a flooded roadway and we'll continue to track the potential for some flooding concerns out there tonight. maybe back where i'm seeing the line right now and lookat future weather. 7:00 p.m. it still has that line of thunderstorms back around winchester and in luray we're not seeing heavy rain but we're seeing showers out there. he we head towards 8:00 p.m., showers still in metro area and heavy rain still back around the mountains, around winchester and luray. 9:00 p.m., fireworks displays are getting under way. i think most of the area, especially the metro area is dry. may be dealing with low cloud decks and i'm really concerned about safety and i think the good news is the safety concerns from weather seem to be

fminished for most o us by 9:00 p.m. unless you're back around the shenandoah valley. areas of frederick county and virginia, down through shenandoah county and down into rappahannock county might be havi some issues and maybe postpones those fireworks displays. look at 11:00. still some showers out there, so not saying we're drying out for fireworks, but i seeing that the potential for very heavy rainfall is greatly diminished by fishing time in the metro area. bring a chair, download our appr if thunderrs, head indoors. don't ever risk your safety. it's just not worth it. >> it's hot and humid for the ayst of the hol weekend with more afternoon showers and terms each and every day. >> yeah. we're going to be sweaty for quite a while, we can tell. thanks, amelia. >> we continue to follow tkat brea news coming from neither white house. check out this new sri. this is that scuffle and the flag burning we saw along apennsylvanianue. rival protesters getting into a

dustup up there. o demonstrators were evtually separated. >> now just minutes away from the start of president trump's salute to america program. we, of course also, have live cov age of thepresident's address coming up around 6:30, and the rain starting to move out downtown as you heard amelia say. the cewds right thuilding around the lincoln memorial. us.

another live look here at the scene of the lincoln memorial as we await president trump. we understand he just got into a his motorcade couple of minutes ago.

he left the white house about two to three minutes ago and is expected to come out on stage a0 around 6: and, of course, we'll spring you that live right here when he comes. >> we sure l.and after the president wraps up his remarks, we'll seehings kick into high gear on the other end of the mall. the annual capital 4 concert was schedule to start on the west lawn and in the last hourolice evacuate that had area for a storm threat, but it appears they are allowing folks to start going back in. john stamos is ack asst this year with carole king, vanessa williamsst and the "sesame et" crew is set to perform. >> towns all over the region held their own fourth of july parades and celebrations. news 4's aimee cho takes us to the city of fairfax to see their big show.

>> happy fourth of july. >> it may be hot out. >> but these pint sized parade watchers nothing is cooler than finding some freebies. >> candy! candy, candy, candy! >> whether you're young or young at heart. the city of fairfax parade today holding a little something for everyone. >> and it's a good t day celebrate america and all that it means, you know. spend time with family. eat good food, the usual. >> a big part of today's celebration honoring those who serve in uniform to keep us safe and free every single day. >> it's good. it's good >> i think we're scheduled for a tour of the white house, t, so that will be -- that will be a first for me. >> but others say steering clear of the downtown parade. ♪ >> prefers this one inside. >> it's depression and sad that we've made the fourth of july a

political statement. >> reporter: fairfax wasn't the only city today. each celebration full of festivm outfits,ching bands and playing music and enough spirit to fill a sidewalk. >> a lot of diversity and a lot of inclusion. just what makes america,ing this rig here. >> reporter: back here in fairfax for these ovcandy-lg kids, turned out to be a pretty sweet fourth of july. >> who doesn't love candy. >> in fairfax, aimee cho, news 4. >> how exte. >> up n we're going to take you live to the lincoln memorial for president trump's comments on the fourthf july. his aides say this is a non-partisan speech. we'll sn find out on the othe side of this break. >> and we're also staying on top of the thorms out e. alert.eam 4 weather we'll get back

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and we remain in storm team 4 weather alert as we to track showers in the d.c. metro area with heavy rain and shoermgs back around tin the ar. a look at the national mall where lithere'st rain out there that should continue over the next hour or so. some fireworks displays are going to be impacted tonight. some could see heavy rain, especially back around i-81 where you're seeing thatvy hea rainfall right now. most of us i think just dealing with showers or damps. condition we do have more thunderstorms tomorrow, saturday and sunday as the heat and humidity, leon and continue to impact the area. >> all right. thank you. thanks, amelia. the impact isn'teeping

ople away from the mall right now. take it to the lincoln memorial to see the live picture here right now where president trump should be arriving any minute now. out andcheduled to begwa begin his speech. >> he'll tribute every branch of the military complete with flyovers including air force one. >> the weaer was actually kind of complicated there for a while because we thought the weather would prevent the flyovers from happening and this was on again anff again and now back on again. the president has been talking up this event for just -- not just this morning, been doing it all week. in fact, for weeks on twitter, t talking about size of the crowds and defending the cost of this display today. >> that's right, and opponents of the president worry thats he' politicizing a holiday that traditionally not political. they just want his speech to b actuallya celebration of america and not a celebration of

him. >> we understand that we've gotten some excerpts from his speech and it is from what we've been able to glean, definitely not seen as being a political speech. it's being a speech that is embrace being the theme of the day here on the fourth of july. >> is aides were saying it's about the greatness of america, and it's not going to be political as well, and they won't be using any of the video today in any ads coming up. >> and that was a big conghrn. >> ri >> for members of the military, because they actually have striction on members of the military being involved in or being seen at any sort of a y political event while te in uniform. >> my husband is a u.s. navy captain. he's active military and said the same thing askell. youw, this today is all about just being american and enjoying ceese brations, and there you see our vice president as well greeting the crowds, too. you know, the flyover, as we said, is going to look at every branch of the military.

you've got the u.s. air force f over. the marine corps flyover and u.s. army flyover and then, of ourse, the navy blue angel flyover. >> and that's where a lot of folks in the crowd came there to see. they came to see the show in the sky and the weather now has sed up, and it looks like we will get that in this evening. perhaps right on time as we look here at the vice president and his wife. they are looking out at the crowd, and we'll keep our eye on thatcene and the infield as well and get back to it as soon as the president takes the stage. >> in the meantime, across the country, americans are celebrating independence day. >> they sure are, from parades in the streets to fun in the sun and in new york, beating some very large appetites. >> we've seen this over and over again. >> dan sheneman with a look at sights and sounds. ♪ >> from marching bands to beachside sand. >> today is a time that we can spend it with the family

together and enjoy ourselves. >> across america, families and friends gathering this fourth of july. maryland had its bikes. >> it's notmm coercialized the. it's just kids having fun with their parents >> three, two, one, begin. >> and coney island it's fights. >> it's number 12 for >>nathan. speed the key in atlanta as well inhe 50th running of the hpc peach tree road race and for some in the democratic nomination meeting the people in the street >> atjefferson's monticello america welcomed 76 new . citizens >> that i will support and defend. >> that i will support and defend. >> and in the capital as well. >> on half of the american people, welcome to the americ family. >> millions in the american family celebrating this

independen day. dan sheneman, nbc news. >> backo ow te national mall where we're now seeing the presentation of the colors. another indication that the president is not farwa he should begin his presentation -- his speech in just a matter of a couple of minutes. this crowd there has been assembling all day today. >> yeah. >> they will now be giving the national anthem. ♪ ♪ and the rockets red glare ♪ the bombs bursting in air ♪ gave proofgh throu the night that our flag was still there ♪ oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave ♪

o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave ♪ it's so neat to listen and watch people in the audience singing their hear outnd so proud, of course, and they have had such a great day, but it's been very rainy. >> yeah, of course, lots of red, white and blue and like to see blue in the sky. for sure. >> doesn't seem to bother anybody out there. >> the rain has not dampened the enthusiasm that we've been ireing from those who made t way here from all over the country. the people that we know in the crowd here. these aren't lols here or just locals who are here for this event here, which as i said, the president said is going to be thereatest ever. >> for sure.

>> salute to america is what he's calling it, and, you know, people are hoping that that's exactly what it is. >> ladies and gentlemen. >> let's begin hail to the chief. >> the president of the united statesnald j. trump and the first lady of the united states, melania trump. ♪ ♪ >> and there we go with the air force one. a lot of planes that's used as f airce up. that's the first flyover of the evening. >> that's right. >> and, again, that's one reason why we believe this is going to run on time because of precision needed to navigate the planes over this -- over the mall in time for the president's speech and to make sure'shat there no -- there's no problems with the timing of each presentationt inhe sky. >> exactly. >> and with the airport having

to close right now because of the flight paths that they have. after you saw the u.s air force flying over, the next one is the marine corps flyover. >> each branch of the military is going to be represented in the sky, and we're told the president is going to be speaking for about 20 minutes, and a lot of people are waiting to see what it is he is going to say because this president usually doesn't stick to ther sct. whatever script he's got is usually just sort of a suggestion. he's known to follow his whims and go off on the ot ar tan gents, we'll see where he goes with this speech but we expect him to speak for 20 minutes. >> hello, america. hello! >> the first lady and i wish each and every one you a happy independence day on this

truly historic fourth of july! today we come together as one nation thth very special salute to america. we celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes whoou pry defend our flag. the brave men and women of the united states military. we are pleased to have with us vice president mike pence and his wonderful wife karen. we're also joined by mny hard working members of congress, tecting secretary of staf defense mark esper and many other members of my cabinet and lso the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff general joe dunford. thank you. thank you. [ applause ] >> thank you. lieutenant general daniel hawkin

ern of the national guard and distinguished lead eprresenting each branch of the united states armed forces, the army, navy, air force, coast guard, marines and very soon the space force. [ cheers and applae ] >> as we gather this evening in the joy of freedom we remember that all share a truly extraordinary heritage. together we are part of one of the greatest stories ever told, the story ofamerica. it is the epic tale of a great nation whose people have risked everything fowhat they know is right and what they know is true. it is the cron calling of brave r give up on ne the dream of a better and brighter future, and it is the saga of 13 separate colonies that united to form the most just and virtuous republic ever

conceived. on this day 243 years ago, our founding fath rs pledged their lives, their fortunes of their sacred honor to declare independence and defend our god given rights. [ applause ] thomas jefferson wrote the words that forever changed the course of humanity. we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men ar created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable righ, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. [ applause ] with a single sheet of parchment and 56 sigcatures, ameegan the greatest political journey

in human history, but on that day the patrots who would determine the ultimate success ofhe struggle were 100 miles away in new york. there the continental army prepared toit make stand,de command by the beloved general george washington. [ applause ] as the delegates debat the declaration in philadelphia, washington's army watched from manhattan as a massive british invading fleet loomed dangerously across new york hash orphan the british had come to crush the revolution in its infancy. washington's message to his troops laid bare the stakes. he wrote the fate of unborn millions will now depend undergod on the courage and conduct of this army. we have, therefore, too resolve,

to conquer or die. [ applause ] days later general washington ordered the declaration read aloud to the troops, the assembled soldiers just joined, an excited crowd runningwn broadway. they toppled the statue of king george and melted it into bullets for bat. the faraway king would soon learn a timeless lesson of the people of th majestic land. americans love our fredom, and no one will ever take it away from us. [ cheers and applause ] >> that same american spirit

that emboldened our founders has kept us strong throughout our history. to this dayhat spirit runs through the vaieins of every american patriot. it lives on in each and every one of you here today. it is the spirit, daring and defiance, excellence and add venture, courage and confidence, loyalty and love,bu that lt this country into the most exceptional nature in the orhistory of the w and our nation is stronger today than it ever was before. it is its strongest now! [ cheers and applause ] >> usa! usa! usa! usa! usa! usa! usa! usa! >> that same righteous american

spirit forged our glorious constitution, that rugged damerican character, lehe legendary explorers lewis and clark on their perilous expeditioncross an untamed continent. it drove others to journey west and stake out their claim on the wild frontier. devotion to our founding ideals led american patriots to abolish the evil of eslavery, sec civil rights and expand the blessings of liberty to alan americ [ applause ] this is the noble purpose that inspired abraham lincoln to rededicate our nation n to a birth of freedom and to resolve that we will always have a government of, by and for the people.

cheers and applause ] our quest for greatness unleashed a culture of discovery bulb, alexander graham bell to create the teephone, the wright bothers to look to the sky and see the next great frontier. for americans nothing is impossible. [ applause ] exactly 50 years ago this month the world watched in awe opasly 11 astronauts launched into a space with a wake of fire and nerveste of s and planted our great american flag on the face of the american. half a century later we are thrilled to have here tonight the famed nasa flight director who led mission control during that historic endeavor, the e

renowned genantz. [ applause ] gone, i want you to know that moon going to be on the some day soon, and some day soon we'll plant the american flag on mars. it's happening, gene. it's happening. our nation's creativity and genius lit up the ights broadway and the sound stages of hollywood. it filled the concert has and u airwaves aro the world with the sound of jazz, opera, country, rock 'n' roll and rhythm & blues. it gave birth to the musical, the motion picture, the ,western the world series, the super

bowl, the skyscraper, the i suspens bridge, the assembly line and the mighty american automobile. [ applause ] it led our citizens to push the bounds of medicine and science to save the lives of millions. herewith us this evening is dr. manuel reich. when he began his work 99% of children with leukemia died. thanks largely to the doctor's breakthrough treatments, currently 90% of those with the most common childhood leukemias survive. doctor, you are a great american hero. thank you. [ applause ]

>> americans always take care of each other. e that love and unity held together the first pilgrims. it forged communities on the great plains. it inspired klara barton to found the red oss, and it keeps our nation thriving today. here tonight from the florida panhandle is tina belcher. her self-less generosity over three decades has made her known to all as mrs. angel. every me arricane strikes, mrs. angel turns her tiny kitchen into a disaster relief center. on a single day after hurricane michael she gave 476 people a warm meal. mrs. angel, your boundless heart

inspires us all. thank you. [ applause ] much.you very from her earlier days americans of faith have uplifted our nation. this evening we're joined by sister deirdre burn. sister burn is a retired army surgeon who served for nearly 30 years. on september 11th, 2001, thet sis raced to ground zero. through smoke and dris she administered first aid and comfort to all. todayst si burn runs a medical clinic serving are the poor in our nation's capitol. sis text than you for your lifetime of service. thank you.

>> our nation has always honored the heroes who serve our s. communiti the firefighters, first responders, police, sheriffs, i.c.e., border patrol, and all of the brave men and women of law enforcement. on this july 4th, we pay special tribute to the military service members who laid down their lives foriour nat we are deeply moved to be in the presence this evening of gold star families whose loved ones made the supreme sacrifice. >> thank you, thank you. [ cheers and applause ]

thank you very much. throughout our history, our country has been made ever greater by citizens who risked it all for equality and for justice. 100 years ago this summer, the woman's suffrage movement led congress to pass a constitutional amendment genvin wom the right to vote. [ cheers and applause ] in 1960 a thirst for justice let african-american students to sit down at the woolworth lunch counter in greensboro, north carolina. [ applause ] it was one of the very first civil rights sit-ins, and it started a movement all across

our nation. clarence henderson was 18 years oldhen he tookhis place in history. almost six decades later, he is here tonight in a seat of honor. clarence, thank you for making this country a much better place for all aeericans! [ ch and applause ] in 196 reverend martin luther king jr. stood here on these very steps and called on our nation to live o the true meaning of its creed and letfr dom ring for every citizen all across our land. ameri's fearless resolve has inspired heroes who defined our national character from george shington, john adams and betsy

ross to douglas, you know, frederick douglass, the great frederick douglass, harriet tubman, amelia earhart, douglas macarthur, dwight ineisenhower, jack robinson and, of course, john glenn. it has willed with our warr mrs upntains and across mine fields. it's liberated continent, flipped the atom and brought tyrants and empires to their knee. here with us this evening is earl morse. after retirg from the air force, earl worked as a v.a. hospital in ohio. earl found that many world war i veterans could not afford to visit their memorial on thena ional mall so earl began the very first honor flights that have now brought over 200,000 ii world war heroes to visit

america's monument. earl, thank you. we salute you. y tha. [ applause ] thank you. thank you, earl. thank you. our warriors from the roll call of american patriots running all the way back to the first souls who fought and won america's independence, today, just as it did 2 years ago the future of american freedom rests on the shoulders of men and women willing to defend it. we are proudly joined tonight by heroes from each branch of the u.s. armed forces, includingt ee recipients of the congressional medal of honor.

thank you. [ cheers and applause ] they and thousands before served with immense distinction, and they loved every minute of nsat service. to young america across our country, now is your chance to stin our military and make a truly greatement in life, and you should do it. [ applause ] you should. we will now begin ourbr celeion of the united states armed forces honoring each branch's unique culture-rich historng service so and distinct legacy. i invite acting secretary, please, mark esper, secretary of defense, and chairman dunrd, head of the joint chiefs of staff, please join me. [ applause ]

in august of 1790 by request of eorge washington and alexander hamilton, congress established a fleet of ten swift vessels to defend our shores. these revenue-cutters would fight pirates, stop smugglers and safeguard our borders. they arehe ancestors of our faithful coast guard. when our ships were seized and sailor b kidnapped foreign powers in 1812, it was a revenue cutter, the swift schooner "thomas jefferson" that swept in to capture the first british vessel of the war. >> as youear president trump is speaking now live at the lincoln memorial. what he calls his salute to

america on thpe inence day. >> now there will be some introductions coming up and the flyovers by every branch of the militaryth should last until about 7:35 tonight ld we'lling streaming that in our nbc washington app. >> for now let's go to storm team 4 meteorologist amelia drape we are your final look at the forecast. amelia? >> stilleeing showers in the d.c. metro area and very impressive thunderstorms back into parts of rappahannock county and back around i-81.pl fireworks diss could bene postpod due to thunderstorms. we're tracking storms and rscertainly some showere possible. no showers right now continuing over the national mall. notice the future weather at 9:00 p.m. has most of the area dry but know that it will be damp out the ad cloud ceilings might be a little bit low in most locations but for the most part ito lo like these thunderstorms are fizzling out on time, susan. >> thank you all so much and thank you all for joining us as

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breaking news tonight, southern californiaocked by a strong earthquake, the 6.4 magnitude quake is felt from los angeles to las vegas causing the ground to roll and buildings to shake for hundreds of miles. >>ll the knickknacks and things from the cabinets were flying oulike missiles. fires, rock slides, and damage reported, but los angeles is spared by the largest earthquake to hit the region in two decades. the president and his salute to america, he takes center stage calling it one of the biggest celebrations in u.s. history, while some call it a a campaign eventnd excessive military display that politicized the armed forces. a new threat confronting undocumented