They came decked out in red, white and blue garb, their bags filled with bottled water for a long day on the National Mall, eager to celebrate the United States of America in its capital city.
Washington, D.C
A festive Fourth of July in the nation’s capital, even as politics loom
![A festive Fourth of July in the nation’s capital, even as politics loom](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/SF4OM6OASBV7GESRGC7ZUCLGXA_size-normalized.jpg&w=1440)
Those who came felt the division. The despair. But if there was any day to set it aside, this, the country’s 248th birthday, was it.
“This year, when our country is so divided, it’s especially important to be at an event where everyone celebrates patriotism together,” said 61-year-old James Shinkle, who came to watch a historical reenactment performed on the steps of the National Archive. “Not divided. Together.”
Americans on Thursday fanned across the D.C. region — gawking at parade performers, walking through museums and joining historical tours. Crowds camped on the National Mall awaiting the evening’s fireworks were first met with a drenching, as rain soaked the Washington region shortly after 5 p.m. Locals and tourists huddled beneath trees, umbrellas and even makeshift tents made of picnic blankets, hopeful that the storm would dissipate before showtime. A city-run concert in Freedom Plaza was delayed, but as of 6 p.m., the fireworks had not yet been postponed.
“Thank you for your patience while we wait for the thunderstorm to pass,” the U.S. Capitol Police tweeted.
The downpour was yet another slight hiccup for the holiday, following an overnight boil-water advisory that officials scrambled to resolve in the early morning hours. Then came a runaway horse that jolted a usually “slow-going” parade in Takoma Park, Md.
“I think people didn’t realize what they saw until the horse went by,” said Marilyn Sklar, who had come to the parade with her 21-year-old daughter and their dog, and was taking video of a group called the Washington Revels when the horse interrupted her shot.
The animal was chased by police before getting caught at Elm and Sycamore avenues — having traveled a total of about 1.2 miles across the neighborhood, according to members of the Takoma Park Facebook group. Takoma Park police said the horse, which was part of the parade procession, unexpectedly began running in the opposite direction of the route and grazed one person, though they were not injured. The situation was “promptly managed by the skilled handler on Elm Avenue,” police said.
In downtown D.C., hundreds lined Constitution Avenue NW in front of the National Archives, occupying prime real estate for the parade. The Kalski family arrived at 8:30 a.m. to stake out the same spot they claimed last year. Aware that their early arrival time means spending five hours outside with sons Parker, 8, and Graham, 9, Amanda and Brandon Kalski came prepared with packed lunch, electric fans, bottled water and, of course, a bag full of card games.
As the family settled in to play a game of Charades for Kids, Parker and Graham hoped the horses they saw during the historical reenactment last year would be back.
“Are you ready to shout ‘huzzah’?” Brandon asked Parker.
The crowd’s cheers became more subdued as the midafternoon sun beat down. Many wore the American flag sunglasses and hats vendors hawked at each corner, having resigned themselves to the inflated holiday prices in their search for a way to mitigate the heat.
The Karayacobian family had a different plan. The Californians spotted a fire hydrant spewing water. In seconds, Charlotte, 8, and her two brothers were running through the spray.
“We loved the parade but we were so hot,” Charlotte said. “I’m not really hot at all anymore.”
While the mood in the nation’s capital was celebratory, it was difficult to ignore the country’s fraught political climate. It weighed on the minds of John Han, 56, and Mindy Han, 55, as they made their way around the historic grounds at Mount Vernon.
When viewing the welcome video for the George Washington mansion tour, Mindy said it was “inspirational” to hear how George Washington “unified the country,” adding that she would “love to see that happen in today’s world if possible.”
Adele White, 62, and Howard White, 63, who visited Mount Vernon while on vacation from California, said they were “absolutely” thinking about politics as they caught the end of a military drill. And they were concerned for the state of the country.
“There is no unity; everything should be improved,” Adele said.
The pair said they had learned a lot from their day reading about history, and they thought others might as well.
“I think the candidates should take tours and read some of the words from our forefathers,” Howard quipped.
At the National Archives, Greg and Anna Murks of Houston considered a different president’s vision for the country as they approached an actor dressed as Thomas Jefferson.
“This is a phone,” Anna Murks joked to the actor. She held up the futuristic device to take a selfie.
The couple made the trip to D.C. in part to fulfill history buff Greg’s bucket list item of celebrating the nation’s birthday in the capital. They made their way toward the rotunda to view the Declaration of Independence; the line wrapped around the room and bled out into the hallway.
The Murks decided to take the trip to D.C. now because they said they feared some of the values embodied in the Declaration of Independence are slipping away.
“When I went to the Lincoln Memorial and I looked up at President Lincoln, I had tears in my eyes because I was asking for his help,” Greg said.
Greg said that more and more people are conflating patriotism with partisan support. In the current political climate, Greg said he feared “patriotism is being co-opted” by partisan interests.
“I’m here to reclaim the definition of patriotism,” Anna replied.
Alisa Tang contributed to this report.
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Washington, D.C
Stolen French bulldog returned to owner, D.C. police say
![Stolen French bulldog returned to owner, D.C. police say](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/UQ7TPHFWFAI6VGQ52PNRZPQHZY.jpg&w=1440)
“Yurman is now back with his owner,” the police announced.
Yurman is a 2-year-old dark-colored male. It was not clear who found him or how. No information was provided about any arrest or charges.
Yurman’s owner was walking her dog in the 1700 block of Fort Davis Street SE about 8:20 p.m. on June 29 when someone approached with a gun, police said.
Police reported the robbery twice on social media, once just after it occurred and again with a brief surveillance video on Wednesday.
Numerous thefts of French bulldogs have occurred in the District and around the country.
In November, three were taken at gunpoint as they were being walked near the 5200 block of East Capitol Street, according to police.
Authorities said the robbers jumped from a vehicle and seized the animals.
Many of the dogs taken here have been recovered.
Purebred French bulldogs may sell for several thousand dollars and appear to be highly prized as pets. Authorities have said they are often taken to be sold.
Washington, D.C
Another scorching day in D.C. as summer settles in
![Another scorching day in D.C. as summer settles in](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/R66FMUUKCWKPH4NR64KRR6YTUM_size-normalized.jpg&w=1440)
Yet by comparison with Friday, that figure could offer some small consolation. On Friday the National Weather Service calculated a maximum “feels-like” temperature of 108. Saturday, it appeared to reach only 103.
Saturday was a small landmark in the advance toward the fiery heart of summer. On Saturday, for the first time this year, the average daily high temperature in the District became 90 degrees.
That may signal that the most summerlike period of summer is now at hand. With Saturday, D.C. has embarked on a long run of July days with an average high temperature of 90 degrees.
Such days may be regarded as close to the thermal height of summer and the capital is now in it.
Yet, of course, summer days here, even well into July, need not be hours of unrelieved meteorological misery.
White clouds proceeded in proud array across the skies on Saturday, and from time to time, covered and even dimmed the sun, producing instant and noticeable cooling. Cloud shadows may be among the subtle comforts that exist even deep in July.
In addition, even if they cover only small patches of ground, and extend for only a few feet or yards, relatively cool and shady places of respite seem to exist in much of the metropolitan area.
On some older streets in the city, trees stand so tall that the leaves and branches of those on one side touch the leaves and branches on the other, several stories in the air. They form a kind of high-arched natural redoubt against the swelter of summer.
The tall oak tree on the east side of the street may touch the tall oak on the other, and to stand in their shadows, peering up at blue sky and white clouds through gaps in green leaves may mitigate much of the harshness of a 98 degree day.
Washington, D.C
Wizards Complete Trade with Trail Blazers
![Wizards Complete Trade with Trail Blazers](https://cdn.nba.com/teams/uploads/sites/1610612764/2024/07/16x9.png)
-
Politics1 week ago
The many faces of Donald Trump from past presidential debates
-
World1 week ago
Tension and stand-offs as South Africa struggles to launch coalition gov’t
-
News1 week ago
Video: How Blast Waves Can Injure the Brain
-
Politics1 week ago
First 2024 Trump-Biden presidential debate: Top clashes over issues from the border to Ukraine
-
News1 week ago
Supreme Court denies Steve Bannon's plea to stay free while he appeals
-
News1 week ago
4 killed, 9 injured after vehicle crashes into Long Island nail salon
-
Politics1 week ago
Trump says 'biggest problem' not Biden's age, 'decline,' but his policies in first appearance since debate
-
News1 week ago
Increasing numbers of voters don’t think Biden should be running after debate with Trump — CBS News poll