A Look at Fourth of July at the White House, Past and Present

Since the founding of our Nation, Americans have cherished our liberty and honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend it. As we commemorate the Declaration of Independence this Fourth of July, we remember all those who have upheld freedom over tyranny for our country.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. President Thomas Jefferson held the first Fourth of July event at the White House in 1801, and modern Presidents have continued the tradition.

This year’s festivities will honor America’s armed forces with a first-of-its-kind celebration on the National Mall. The 2019 “Salute to America” will feature remarks from President Trump on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, a flight demonstrations by the Blue Angels, live music from our military bands, and the largest fireworks display ever seen in our Nation’s capital.

During the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, Fourth of July celebrations commenced with patriotic speeches on the South Lawn (1903)

President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan prepare for the fireworks display above the Washington Monument (1981)

Singer Kelly Levesque rehearses “God Bless the USA” on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, July 3, 2018, in preparation for a Fourth of July celebration at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Keegan Barber)

President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush embrace each other as they look onto the Fourth of July crowd (2001).

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama watch fireworks over the Washington Monument (2009)

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump host military families at the White House for Independence Day on July 4, 2017. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch fireworks from the Truman Balcony at the White House on July 4, 2018. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)

A rooftop view from the White House shows military families and invited guests at the White House on July 4, 2018. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)