from his polished mississippi rifle to his crack leather boots bill backus understand the role of a confederate soldier. >> everything that we have today stems from this open field right here. >> reporter: he's talking about the manassas national battlefield, site of the first major battle of the civil war. >> it's just the most horrific but defining moment in american history. >> reporter: in just a few weeks july 21st through 24th they'll commemorate the 150th anniversary of the civil war. >> we're really grabbing the country's attention with this coming event much like this event the 150 years ago grabbed the nation's attention. so a lot of eyes are on us and while they're on us we really would like for people to understand what happened here, the sacrifices of those who fought and died here, but also really hopefully intrigue people to learn more. >> reporter: they are learning at the battlefield today. >> why is that marker over there? >> he died there. >> he was the first officer -- >> to die on the field. >> that's correct. >> reporter: this empty field not far away from the actual battl

we'll be right backu. it is 5:46 a.m.is fourth of july the shootings in richmond's there were four sheetings at least three people were killed seven people were shot in total. they are checking to see if it is embarked police had issued an guilt i jump on that at a knife and they are investigating that shooting and then i'll look up where you conceive fireworks around the bay area. >> a search for the seat plane that crashed into the waters we're talking to the good samaritan all the was it the right place at the right time. >> after more than a day with no luck they finally found their looking for with help of floats they found a busy paint that capsized. >> my friend came up and said i turned the ball around and saw this plane crashed into one and two guys sitting on the wings. >> the pilot and his passenger were pulled off in time we pull them and to the boat and then the plane sank. >> what caused the blast in the first place the pilots seem to be in shock >> it was a very cool plane he was glad to be alive it was jus

p headingajor backu into georgetown even though everything is open.little colesville road with some of volume. a gorgeous day today of we get a little break this humidity north of town. south of the metro in culpeper and that area, you still have a out withidity hanging sunshine. 78 degrees in the district but 68 degrees in winchester. temperatures are trying to catch the region.rest of it is 73 degrees in frederick. there is a lot of sunshine today chance of a thunderstorm south of the metro area. first lady michelle obama help military families during tonight's washington nationals game. before the game, children from those families will escort her plate and one of them out that first pitch. mrs. obama will join the during thecognized third inning. we will have another update at 8:56. for continuous news coverage, tune in to news channel 8. ♪ we coming to america ♪ they coming to america >> how about that mohawk, right? >> a great mohawk. >> there are the royal couple. they were racing yesterday in the dragon boats. >> we did. william won by a hair.