A Capitol Fourth!

Independence Day Parade
Constitution Ave, Washington DC

Wow!  For all its alleged faults, Washington, DC does one thing right---celebrating the 4th of July!  We took it all in . . . First, the parade, seen from the steps of the National Archives:  the marching bands, the floats, the precision drill teams, twirling pastel Southern Belles, and the helium bloated Fred Flintstone and Uncle Sam. 



Watching the concert
from the Capitol Steps



Then it was up to the steps of the US Capitol for prime viewing of "A Capitol Fourth" the live PBS variety show featuring patriotic music by the National Symphony Orchestra, Josh Groban, Steve Martin (on banjo, no less!), Jordin Sparks, Kelli O'Hara, and Little Richard!  Oh, and did we mention fireworks?  The Washington Monument was awash in the rockets red glare.  We watched with just a bit of melancholy knowing this would be our last Independence Day celebration in the United States for a while.  But what a way to go out!!!

Steve Martin on banjo!





Little Richard on Capitol Hill