A Capitol Fourth

- Live from the United States Capitol, it's A Capitol Fourth 250th weekend celebration.

Now, please welcome tonight's host, iconic actor and television star, Alfonso Ribeiro.

[cheers and applause] - Welcome to the 46th annual A Capitol Fourth, a special edition this year for two reasons.

First, because tonight we are celebrating an event 250 years in the making, the birth of a new nation, our nation.

The second reason this concert is so special is because we are kicking off America's Independence Weekend with this nationwide birthday party.

Now, we've got a great crowd tonight.

For those who are unable to be here in person and are joining the millions watching us at home on television, we know you are with us in spirit.

We've got so many inspiring performances lined up for you on our concert as we commemorate this truly landmark event in our nation's history.

In keeping with a great American tradition, we'll be lighting up the sky with some spectacular and patriotic fireworks.

I am really excited because we also have an appearance by four genuine heroes, the Artemis II astronauts.

That's right.

Yes, I can't wait to hear about their journey.

Now, with the world premiere of his new song, American Made, here is country music superstar Trace Adkins.

[cheers and applause] [music] [singing] [American Made] He set a course for Carolina Not a penny to his name Just an old family bible And a hunger in his veins Like a million other dreamers In search of liberty Sailing to the land of freedom And possibility Just a simple man with his calloused hands That he worked down to the bone Started his legacy When his family called this place our home Every single seed they planted Turning into a field of dreams Paving the way for generations Now our roots are running deep And when that proud flag waves The anthem plays I know the price they paid And I'm thankful for it each and every day To be American made They broke their backs to earn a living Hanging steel and blasting stone Drilling wells, cutting timber Herding cows and mining coal They gave their blood and tears And served in every single war As every shot rang out They never had a doubt About the land they were fighting for Every single seed they planted Turning into a field of dreams Paving the way for generations Now our roots are running deep And when that proud flag waves The anthem plays I know the price they paid And I'm thankful for it each and every day To be American made Now we follow in their footsteps Carry great-granddaddy's name And being born under the stars and stripes Was the greatest gift they gave Every single seed they planted Turning into a field of dreams Paving the way for generations Now our roots are running deep And when that proud flag waves The anthem plays I know the price they paid And I'm thankful for it each and every day (every day) I'll be thankful for it 'till my dying day To be American made I'm American made I'm American made [cheers and applause] - Live from the United States Capitol, it's our annual National Independence Day celebration.

Tonight, A Capitol Fourth 250th weekend celebration welcomes the following stars.

One of the greatest American bands of all time, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members, Chicago.

NAACP Image Award Entertainer of the Year, the godmother of soul, Patti LaBelle.

Grammy Award-winning music icons, Kool & The Gang.

Country music superstar, Trace Adkins.

Grammy, CMA, ACM, and CMT Award winner, Carly Pearce.

The cast of the Tony Award-nominated hit Broadway musical, Just In Time.

A multi-platinum recording artist with over 100 million views, Loren Allred.

Two-time Grammy Award-winning soprano, Angel Blue.

And a special performance by country music icon, Alan Jackson, with appearances by the Artemis II Astronauts.

Athletes from the 2026 US Olympic and Paralympic teams.

Emmy Award-winning actor, Gary Sinise.

Tony Award-winning actor Joe Mantegna.

A tribute to America's military heroes, and fireworks live from the historic George Washington's Mount Vernon.

Featuring the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Jack Everly.

Shannon Arnold directing the Choral Arts Society of Washington.

Patrick Lundy and the ministers of music.

The US Army Band, Pershing's Own.

The US Army Herald Trumpets.

The Joint Armed Forces Chorus.

The US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

The US Army Presidential Salute Battery, and the Armed Forces Color Guard.

A Capital Fourth 250th weekend celebration is made possible by the Boeing Company.

- This Independence Day, we come together to celebrate our nation.

Honoring our history and enjoying the time spent with loved ones.

As we look ahead to creating great memories, we stand united and celebrate together.

- And by the National Park Service and the Department of the Army.

Now please rise in body or spirit for the singing of our national anthem performed by country music star, Carly Pearce.

[trumpets] [singing] [National anthem] O say, can you see By the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed At the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars Through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watched Were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare The bombs bursting in air Gave proof through the night That our flag was still there O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave [trumpets] [cheers and applause] Now welcome back our host from Dancing with the Stars, Alfonso Ribeiro.

[trumpets] - Happy July 4th weekend.

It's America's birthday.

Are you guys all ready to party?

[cheers and applause] All right.

This is my fourth time hosting this great event, and I am looking forward to our best concert yet.

Tonight, we are so fortunate to be here once again at this iconic location, the US Capitol Building, as our nation comes together to kick off the celebration of our 250th birthday.

It turns out each of the days leading up to July 4th were important in our country's early history, and trust me, I did the research to prepare for this.

It was actually on July 2nd, 1776, that the Continental Congress officially voted to declare independence from Great Britain.

In fact, one of our founding patriots, John Adams, predicted that July 2nd would be the date Americans honored as our birthday, but it wasn't until the 4th that the final document was approved, and that's why we mark July 4th as Independence Day.

Although John Adams was just a little off in that prediction, he was absolutely right about something else.

In a letter to his wife Abigail dated July 3rd, 1776, he wrote that our freedom would be celebrated by succeeding generations with parades, games, sports, and bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forevermore.

Looking at this crowd, he sure got that right.

Let me see you wave your flags.

[cheers and applause] Even though this is a party, it is also a time to remember those first patriots, some whose names we know from our history books, others just ordinary men and women.

They risked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for a powerful idea, encapsulated in the immortal words of Thomas Jefferson, that we are all created equal, that we are endowed with certain unalienable rights.

Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

So it is in honor of those first patriots and in tribute to what they did and what has endured that we gather here today.

On a night where we celebrate history, we're going to make some history because for the first time in 46 years of A Capital Fourth, we are going live to an iconic 18th-century landmark, George Washington's Mount Vernon, where later we will get to see an amazing fireworks display.

And in a few minutes, we're going to be joined by four special guests, the crew of the groundbreaking Artemis II mission to the moon.

[cheers and applause] But first, how about some more great music?

Our next performers have two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and have sold over 70 million albums.

It was on a July 3rd, 57 years ago, that they released their very first song.

Right now, get up and get ready to dance because here are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legends Kool & The Gang.

[music] - Hey.

Are you ready to swing out here?

Come on, get your hands up in the air.

[Hollywood Swinging] Let's see Let me see them Come on, yeah Let me see them Come on, yeah Let me see them Come on, yeah Let me see them Say hey, hey, hey What you got to say?

Say hey, hey, hey What you got to say?

Hollywood Hollywood swinging Hollywood Hollywood swinging So what you gonna do?

Do you wanna get down?

Say what you going to do?

Do you wanna get down?

(Get down on it,) come on and (Get down on it,) if you really want it (Get down on it,) you gotta feel it (Get down on it,) get down on it (Get down on it,) get on it (Get down on it,) baby, baby (Get down on it,) get on it Get down on it How you gonna do it if you really don't wanna dance By standing on the wall?

(Get your back up off the wall) Tell me How you gonna do it if you really won't take a chance By standing on the wall (Get your back up off the wall) 'Cause I heard all the people singing' (Get down on it,) come on and (Get down on it,) if you really want it (Get down on it,) you gotta feel it (Get down on it,) get down on it (Get down on it,) get on it (Get down on it,) baby, baby (Get down on it,) get on it Get down on it Oh, this one's going out to all the ladies.

[cheers and applause] [music] [Ladies Night] Ooh, yeah, what a night Here we go Sexy ladies, let me hear you scream [screams] This is ladies night And the feeling's right.

This is ladies night Oh, what a night Girls, you're the private one A night that's special everywhere From New York to Hollywood It's late night, and girls feel good On this is the night, your name will be seen You can fulfill all your dreams Party here, party there, everywhere This is the night, baby, you've got to be there This is your night tonight (Everything's going to be all right) This is your night (This is your night tonight) Everything's going to be all right (Everything's going to be all right) This is your night This is your night tonight Everything's going to be all right Ooh, come on Get down, get down Get down, get down Get down, get down Get down, get down Come on Jungle boogie Jungle boogie Jungle boogie Jungle boogie Jungle boogie Jungle boogie Jungle boogie Jungle boogie Jungle boogie Come on Jungle boogie [crowd cheering] [Celebration] It's time to celebrate Yeah, eh It's a celebration Yeah, eh It's a celebration (Celebrate good times, come on) Let's celebrate, come on now (Celebrate good times, come on) Let's celebrate There's a party going on right here A celebration to last through all the years So bring your good times and your laughter too We gonna celebrate that party with you Come on now (Celebration) Let's all celebrate and have a good time (Celebration) We gonna celebrate and have a good time It's time to come together It's up to you, what's your pleasure?

(Everyone around the world,) come on Come on It's a celebration Come on It's a celebration (Celebrate good times, come on) Let's celebrate, come on now (Celebrate good times, come on) Let's celebrate (Celebrate good times, come on) Come on and celebrate, yeah Come on and celebrate tonight (Celebrate good times, come on) [instruments] Whoo.

Kool and the Gang.

Thank you.

[cheers and applause] - Whoo.

Thank you, Kool & The Gang.

Yes.

What a way to jam.

All right, did I mention we have some great fireworks for everyone, which this year, for our first time ever, will be coming to us from George Washington's Mount Vernon.

Let's head over there now to check in with an artist whose performances have been called astonishing, beautiful, and transcendent.

I agree.

Here is the amazing Loren Allred.

- Thanks, Alfonso.

We've got a great party happening here at Mount Vernon.

Coming up, we're going to see the biggest fireworks display they've ever done here.

I'm so honored to be part of this concert and to have been asked to perform later tonight.

It is so appropriate that we are at this historic location on this milestone anniversary because we are here to celebrate our 250 years as a nation, thanks to George Washington's leadership as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and his statesmanship and vision as our first president.

I know you've got another great performance about to start back at the US Capitol, so Alfonso, back to you.

- All right.

Thanks, Loren.

We'll see you again in a few minutes.

Right now, we have a performance from the cast of the award-winning musical Just In Time, which brings to life the story and music of Bobby Darin, the artist who gave us such hits as Mack the Knife, Dream Lover, and Beyond the Sea.

Everybody, get up on your feet and get ready to dance to the amazing cast of Just In Time.

[music] [Beyond the Sea] Somewhere beyond the sea Somewhere waiting for me My lover stands on golden sands And watches the ships that go sailin' We'll meet beyond the shore We'll kiss just as before Happy we'll be beyond the sea And never again we'll go sailing [Mack the Knife] Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear And it shows them a pearly white Just a jackknife has so much heat, babe And it keeps it, keeps it out of sight Now on the sidewalk, uh-huh Ooh, sunny morning, uh-huh Lots of body just losing life And someone sneaking around the corner Could that someone be Mack the Knife?

As you hear about Louis Miller He disappeared, babe After drawing out all his ordered cash Now Mack keeps spinning just like a sailor Could it be our boy's done somethin' rash?

I said Jenny Diver, ho-ho, yeah, Suky Tawdry Look out to Miss Lotte Lenya, and old Lucy Brown Guess that line forms was on the right tree Now that Mackie, Mackie, Mackie's back in town Look out, old Mackie is, look out, old Mackie is, look out, old Mackie is back [Dream Lover] Dream lover, where are you With a love, oh, so tru5 And the hand that I can hold To feel you near as I grow old?

Becaus5 I want (Yeah-yeah, yeah) A girl (Yeah-yeah, yeah) To call (Yeah-yeah, yeah) My own (Yeah-yeah, yeah) I want a dream lover So, I don't have to dream alone Someday, I don't know how I hope she'll hear my plea Some way, I don't know how She'll bring her love to me When I step out the tub My feet on the floor Wrap a towel around me And I open the door And there was a lollipop with a Pegasus And Miss Molly was in there too [Splish splash] Just in time, I'm a great right way It's America's 250th birthday Splish splash, I jump back in the bath I wet and put my dancing shoes on, yeah I was a-splishing and a-splashing (splishing and splashing) I was a-rolling and a-strolling (rolling and a strolling) We was a-moving and a-grooving (Moving and a grooving) I was a-reeling with the feeling (hey, yeah) I was rolling and a-strolling Moving and a grooving Reeling with the feeling Rocking and rolling Rolling and strolling Moving and a grooving Splish splash Yeah Happy 250, America.

[cheers and applause] - What a great performance by the cast of Just In Time.

Now just a reminder for all of you watching A Capitol Fourth at home, make sure to join the conversation on social media.

Now, as viewers of America's National Memorial Day concert know, every year the co-host of that important event is a friend and advocate for our country's service members, veterans, wounded warriors, and military families.

He's an Oscar nominee, an Emmy Award-winning actor who we know from films like Forrest Gump and Apollo 13.

So please welcome Gary Sinise.

[cheers and applause] - Thank you.

Thank you, Alfonso.

Over the course of America's 250-year history, NASA has been a driving force behind so many of our nation's landmark events.

There was Alan Shepard's first flight into outer space by an American in May 1961, John Glenn orbiting the Earth a few months later.

The successful Gemini and Apollo missions.

Then in July 1969, 150 million Americans watched in awe as Neil Armstrong took those first steps on the lunar surface.

- The Eagle has landed.

That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.

- This past April, the world watched once again an extraordinary American success as the Artemis II mission broke new ground, setting the record for the farthest humans have ever traveled from our home planet, reaching an incredible maximum distance of 252,756 miles from Earth.

Simply put, the Artemis II mission inspired countless people across our country who joined together to witness history being made once again.

Now please join me in welcoming our four special guests, the astronauts from Artemis II: Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.

[cheers and applause] - Fantastic.

Reid, as we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, what message do you have about the mission and what lies ahead?

- Well, Gary, what the four of us just got to do, myself, Victor, Christina, Jeremy, that was very special.

But tonight, we want to thank all of you, folks in the US and around the world, because you all showed up for us, and we celebrated together.

Thank you all.

What's coming next here on America's 250th birthday?

We have a crew on the International Space Station.

We have rovers on Mars.

We are sending probes to the moon of Jupiter.

We are getting ready to launch Artemis III next year.

Tonight, let's just celebrate and enjoy the gifts that this nation has given all of us.

[cheers and applause] - Victor, what does it mean to you to celebrate our 250th right here at the nation's capital?

- Gary, it's special.

This time is special.

America will only turn 250 one time.

We're in a special place.

That building is amazing.

That's the people's house.

It's a special place.

There's a room in there on the wall.

It has a scripture that says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."

We love coming here and celebrating.

This is just a really special place to do it.

Most important is the people, the special people, all of you that are gathered here today.

We love you, and God bless the United States of America.

[cheers and applause] - Christina, what was the most exciting moment of the flight for you?

- The most exciting moment, I have to say, - a lot of excitement until splashdown.

That moment where our - right off the coast of San Diego, we had been focused.

That was awesome.

The whole mission, launch, going around the far side of the moon, we were so focused on what we were accomplishing.

That moment of splashdown was that absolute excitement that we were going to come back, we were going to hand the batons to the next crew, and we were going to bring back to this country, to this world, a landing on the moon very soon.

[cheers and applause] - Jeremy, what was it like looking at the moon and when you look back at Earth?

- I tell you, just imagine yourself floating there in the Integrity spacecraft with us and seeing the moon up close, and you fall in love with it in a completely new and magical way, seeing all its grandeur, the textures.

Then something even more incredible happens.

The Earth comes into the window at the same time, and you see tiny Earth.

You don't see a country anymore.

You just connect with your planet.

It's an incredible thing.

I'll just remind you, as you celebrate your 250th, you can be proud, America, of the international collaboration that you led that spread moon joy around the world and reminded us we are better together.

- All of us appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules to be with us here tonight.

What you did was truly inspiring, and we all join in to thank you for coming tonight.

[cheers and applause] - I can think of no better musical tribute for these four astronauts who have the right stuff than the Bill Conti Oscar-winning theme from the film The Right Stuff performed by the National Symphony Orchestra.

Jack, take it away.

[music] [National Symphony Orchestra] [cheers and applause] - That was so cool having these four heroes join us tonight.

Wow.

So special.

As always on A Capitol Fourth, we're joined by America's Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Jack Everly.

- Jack?

- Thank you, Alfonso.

It means so very much to me and all of us to be a part of this historic event.

On behalf of myself and these incredible musicians of our National Symphony Orchestra, happy 250th birthday, America.

[cheers and applause] - Thanks, Jack.

It was a little over 80 years ago that a true American icon, Frank Sinatra, performed The House I Live In, a song whose inspiring message was at the heart of the Oscar-winning documentary by the same name.

Over the decades, it has been featured at presidential inaugurations, at state dinners, and patriotic ceremonies from coast to coast.

We are so honored to present it to you tonight.

Joined by the National Symphony Orchestra, please welcome the legendary Patti LaBelle.

[cheers and applause] - [singing] [The House I Live In] What is America to me A name, a map, or a flag I see A certain word, democracy, yes What is America to me The house I live in A plot of earth, the street The grocer and the butcher And/or the people that I meet The children in the playground All the faces that I see All races and religions That's America to me The things I see about me The big things and the small Little corner newsstand Or the house a mile tall The wedding and the churchyard The laughter and the tears The dream that's been a growing For two hundred years The town I live in The street, the house, the room Or pavement of the city Or a garden all in bloom The church, the school, the clubhouse The millions lights I see Especially the people The what?

That's America to me Especially the people That's America, that's America, to me.

[cheers and applause] - Thank you, Patty.

Wow.

There are so many patriot songs whose performances at this concert are an important part of our Capital Fourth tradition.

One of my favorites is This Land Is Your Land.

Here to perform it is a multi-award-winning country music star.

Please welcome back Carly Pearce.

[music] [singing] [This Land Is Your Land] As I went a-walkin' that ribbon of highway I saw above me that endless skyway Saw below me that golden valley This land was made for you, and me This land is your land, this land is my land From California to the New York island From the redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and me I roamed and rambled, and I followed my footsteps To sparkling sands of her diamond deserts All around me a voice was singing Oh, this land was made for you and me (Sing with me y'all) This land is your land, this land is my land From California to the New York island From the redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and me Oh, this land was made for you and me Happy 250th, everybody.

- Thank you, Carly.

Now please welcome the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

[music] - Being here to celebrate America's 250th on the West Lawn of the US Capitol means so much to me and to everyone joining us at this concert.

I know it means so much to my friend Trace Adkins, a man whose commitment to our military is second to none.

- Trace, over to you, sir.

- Thanks, Alfonso.

All of us know deep in our hearts that we would not be here safe and secure without the commitment and sacrifice of those who have proudly worn America's uniform for two and a half centuries.

From those first patriots who took up arms against the British in 1775 at the start of the Revolutionary War to those who defend our freedom and protect us around the world today, every generation has answered the call.

This song is dedicated to all of America's military heroes of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

[music] He's got a corner lot on Dogwood Drive A year-old truck and a nine to five Comes home at night to a pretty wife With a baby due He'll sleep in on Saturday Cut the grass if it don't rain After church he'll watch the game And have a beer or two He'll stand up When he hears the anthem And that won't ever change 'Cause he's still a soldier His blood runs red, white and blue He put away his gun and boots But he still believes The American Dream His last breath will always be a soldier He's still a soldier He's on his couch for the news at 10:00 He'll see those places that he's been And when a brother falls, part of him does too And if they call, and needed him back home, he'd be on that plane Because he's still a soldier His blood runs red, white, and blue He's put away his gun and boots And he still believes the American dream Till his last breath will always be a soldier He don't wake up anymore when he hears thunder Oh, and even if he lived to be 100 He'll still be a soldier He's still a soldier He's put away his gun and boots And he still believes the American dream Till his last breath will always be a soldier He's still a soldier He's still a soldier To those who have served, thank you.

[applause] - Thank you, Trace.

Fantastic.

What a wonderful tribute to all who have ever served and who are serving today in our military.

Given the importance and meaning of this landmark celebration and the role America's military has played in our nation's history, we wanted to share a message from some active-duty heroes about what America's 250th means to them.

- Being an American means everything to me.

- We're celebrating 250 years in the United States of America, the greatest experiment in the history of the world.

- To serve this moment in time gives me so much pride.

I smile every day I come to work, putting on the uniform.

250 years, this is amazing.

- When I think of the first American patriots, the first thing that comes to mind is our Founding Fathers.

They had a dream, a plan, a call to action.

They had the will to fight, to fight for freedom.

- It's an incredible honor to be a part of this point in history.

We've been able to maintain our liberties and freedoms for two and a half centuries.

- I serve for those that served before me and those that are going to serve after me, and I serve for the people of the United States of America.

It's the greatest honor you can have as a soldier to be able to serve this country.

- It's going to take us all to stand together, stand strong, and have the mindset to make America a place that we want to have around for 250 more years.

[applause] - With us in the audience are a number of veterans and active military members and their families.

We're also joined by American heroes recuperating at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Hospital.

Please join me in showing all these heroes our appreciation.

[applause] - Absolutely.

Now, in tribute to all who have served our nation these past 250 years, please welcome America's Joint Armed Forces Chorus.

[music] This is my country, land of my birth This is my country, grandest on Earth I pledge thee my allegiance America, the bold For this is my country To have and to hold [instrumentals] This is my country, land of my choice This is my country, hear my proud voice I pledge thee my allegiance America, the bold For this is my country To have and to hold I pledge thee my allegiance America, the bold For this is my country To have and to hold To have and to hold Have and to hold [applause] - To everybody watching out there, happy Independence Day.

- Happy birthday, America.

- Happy Independence Day, America.

- Happy Independence Day, America.

- Happy Independence Day, America.

- Happy Independence, America.

Supra, supra.

- Happy Independence Day, America.

- Happy Independence Day, America.

- Happy birthday, America.

- Happy Independence Day, America.

Come on.

[applause] - Let's have a shout-out to all our troops around the world.

Give them some love.

[applause] - Just a reminder, the fireworks are just minutes away.

Now, there have been so many inspiring patriotic songs in America's 250-year history.

We all have our favorites, but for me, right at the top of the list is one written 165 years ago by Julia Ward Howe in just one night here in Washington, DC, The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Joined by America's orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and performing it tonight is one of the world's most celebrated opera superstars.

She comes from a military family.

She's performed on concert stages around the world, and she's here with us tonight.

Please welcome two-time Grammy Award-winning soprano Angel Blue.

[cheers and applause] [music] Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored He hath loosed the fateful lightning of this terrible swift sword His truth is marching on Glory, glory hallelujah Glory, glory hallelujah Glory, glory hallelujah His truth is marching on I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps I can read the righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps His day is marching on Glory, glory hallelujah (Glory, glory hallelujah) Glory, glory hallelujah (Glory, glory hallelujah) Glory, glory hallelujah (Glory, glory hallelujah) His truth is marching on beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free While God is matching on (Glory, glory hallelujah) hallelujah (Glory, glory hallelujah) hallelujah Glory, glory hallelujah (Glory, glory hallelujah) His truth is marching on Amen Amen Amen Amen - Happy birthday, America.

[applause] - Wow.

Thank you, Angel.

So beautiful.

Now, let's check in again with Lauren Allred at Mount Vernon.

- Alfonso, we're just minutes away from the fireworks.

For everyone here, back at the US Capitol, or watching at home, like and share the posts on our social media, or post your 250th photos and videos on your favorite platform.

Be sure to use our hashtag.

Alfonso, now back to you at the US Capitol.

- Now, it's a true honor to share one of our nation's greatest patriotic songs performed by one of America's greatest country music singers.

With this Nashville performance of America the Beautiful, here is Alan Jackson.

[cheers and applause] O beautiful for spacious skies For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain America, America God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears America, America God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea O beautiful [applause] - Very special.

There are so many great traditions on A Capitol Fourth.

The fireworks, the way we feature every genre of music from our 250-year history, the performances of America's orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and one that we feature when we pay tribute to our nation's Olympic and Paralympic athletes from Team USA.

This past winter, our athletes set a record at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina, capturing a total of 33 medals: 12 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze.

This beat the previous American record of 10 gold set 24 years ago in Salt Lake City.

Right now, across the country, there are thousands of our greatest athletes training hard to represent us in 2028 when the Summer Games are held in Los Angeles.

I am honored to introduce some special guests, 10 Olympians and Paralympians from Team USA.

Please welcome Sophia Kirkby from Lake Placid, New York, Luge.

[applause] [music] Matt Thums from Ogema, Wisconsin, wheelchair curler.

[applause] Maxim Naumov from Norwood, Massachusetts, figure skating.

[applause] - Luc Violette from Lake Stevens, Washington, curling.

[applause] - Liam Cunningham from River Falls, Wisconsin, sled hockey.

[applause] - Mia Manganello from Crestview, Florida, speedskater.

[applause] - Brett Bolton from Rockledge, Florida, sled hockey.

[applause] - Danny O'Shea from Colorado Springs, Colorado, figure skating.

[applause] - Nick Baumgartner from Iron River, Michigan, snowboarding.

[applause] - Ethan Cepuran from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, speedskating.

[applause] - Our Olympians and Paralympians, show them some love.

[applause] - Yes.

[crowd chants "USA"] - Now, A Capitol Fourth pays tribute to all of our nation's Olympians and Paralympians as the National Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams' iconic Olympic Fanfare.

[instrumentals] [applause] - How inspiring was that?

Beautiful.

Tonight's concert is truly coast-to-coast.

Let's head west for a message from a longtime friend of this concert and our National Memorial Day concert.

- Joe Mantegna here, coming to you from the set of Criminal Minds in Los Angeles.

There have been so many great bands that have performed on A Capitol Fourth, but right at the top is a band from my hometown.

I've known them for over 60 years and watched as they went from being a great local band to becoming a worldwide sensation.

They've sold over 100 million records and are into Grammy and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.

I so wish I could be there tonight, but I'm thrilled to be able to present them to you.

They're taking the stage right now.

Give it up for Chicago.

[applause] [music] Saturday in the park I think it was the Fourth of July Saturday in the park I think it was the Fourth of July People dancing, people laughing A man selling ice cream Singing Italian songs Eh Cumpari, ci vo sunari Can you dig it?

(Yes, I can) And I've been waiting such a long time For Saturday [instrumentals] Another day in the park It must have been the Fourth of July Another day in the park It must have been the Fourth of July People talking, really smiling A man playing guitar Singing for us all Will you help him change the world Can you dig it?

(Yes, I can) I've been waiting such a long time For today Slow motion riders fly the colors of the day A bronze man still can tell stories his own way Listen, children, all is not lost All is not lost, oh, no [instrumentals] Funny days in the park Every day's the Fourth of July Funny days in the park Every day's the Fourth of July People reaching, people touching A real celebration Waiting for us all If you want it, really want it Can you dig it?

(Yes, I can) And I've been waiting such a long time For the day, yeah, woo [applause] [music] After what you've meant to me Ooh, baby now, I can't make it easily (Yeah, yeah, yeah) I know that we both agree The best thing to happen to you The best thing to happen to me (Yeah, yeah, yeah) [instrumentals] We love you We love you Feeling stronger every day (You know I'm all right now) (Feeling stronger every day) I'm feeling stronger (You know I'm all right now) Feeling stronger every day (You know I'm all right now) - Happy birthday, America.

[applause] Feeling stronger every day (You know I'm all right now) Feeling stronger every day (You know I'm all right now) Feeling stronger every day (You know I'm all right now) Feeling stronger every day [applause] [instrumentals] Waiting for the break of day Searching for something to say Flashing lights against the sky Giving up, I close my eyes Sitting cross-legged on the floor 25 or 6 to 4 [instrumentals] Staring blindly into space Getting up to splash my face Wanting just to stay awake Wondering how much I can take Should I try to do some more?

25 or 6 to 4 [instrumentals] Feeling like I ought to sleep Spinning room is sinking deep Searching for something to say Waiting for the break of day 25 or 6 to 4 25 or 6 to 4 [instrumentals] [applause] - How great was Chicago?

Still Team Chicago.

Made me want to do all of my routine from Dancing with the Stars this year.

Wow, that was great.

Now please take out your phones, turn on the flashlights, and wave them as the Joint Armed Forces Chorus performs Let Freedom Ring.

[music] [instrumentals] Let freedom ring For the children of every generation May the love of freedom always ring And let everyone sing along It's a dream to build upon We'll take the dream and pass it on, and on, and on And let freedom sing Let freedom ring Let freedom ring Let freedom ring For the children of every generation May the love of freedom always ring It has brought us this far It proclaims who we are And together we sing, let freedom ring Let the freedom ring People everywhere, let freedom ring People all over the world, let freedom ring People everywhere, let freedom ring People everywhere, let freedom ring People all over the world, let freedom ring People everywhere, let freedom ring People everywhere, let freedom ring People all over the world, let freedom ring People everywhere, let freedom ring People everywhere, let freedom ring People all over the world, let freedom ring People everywhere, let freedom ring People everywhere, let freedom ring Let freedom ring [applause] - Now, with the fireworks lighting up the sky over George Washington's Mount Vernon, Maestro Jack Everly is about to lead the National Symphony Orchestra in performing the 1812 Overture.

[instrumentals] Mighty Lord, keep us safe from jeopardy [instrumentals] Take Thee now our faith and loud cry in penitence [instrumentals] Grant our victory o'er our enemies so treacherous And bring our land a lasting peace [instrumentals] Mighty Lord our God, hear our lowly pray'r Grant thy shining holy light [instrumentals] [explosions] [fireworks] Grant us, Lord, peace a gain Oh, Mighty Lord, hear our pray'r and save our people forever [instrumentals] [explosions] [fireworks] [applause] - Our 250th birthday party is still going strong.

To perform more patriotic favorites accompanied by the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the US Army Herald Trumpets, here is the US Army Band, Pershing's Own.

[instrumentals] [applause] - Stay tuned because immediately after we finish tonight's show, there is an encore performance of A Capitol Fourth on many of your local public television stations.

Now, let's head back to George Washington's Mount Vernon for more fireworks as Loren Allred performs God Bless America.

[music] God Bless America Land that I love Stand beside her, and guide her Through the night with a light from above From the mountains, to the prairies To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, my home sweet home God bless America, my home sweet home - Come on, everyone, sing along.

God Bless America Land that I love Stand beside her, and guide her Through the night with a light from above From the mountains, to the prairies To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, my home sweet home God bless America, my home sweet home [applause] [instrumentals] - God bless America.

Thank you so much for joining us.

[instrumentals] - A Capitol Fourth 250th weekend celebration is made possible by the Boeing Company.

- This Independence Day, we come together to celebrate our nation.

Honoring our history and enjoying the time spent with loved ones.

As we look ahead to creating great memories, we stand united and celebrate together.

[music] [instrumentals] - By the National Park Service and the Department of the Army.

For comments, suggestions, and information, visit us at pbs.org/capitolfourth, or join the conversation on our social media.

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