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The skies above the National Mall thundered with American power as the Great American State Fair kicked off America 250, a spectacle that reminded every patriotic citizen why a strong military is the backbone of our liberty. Stealthy B-2 bombers and F-35 fighters led dramatic flyovers that framed President Trump’s kickoff speech, turning the Mall into a stage for pride rather than apology.
Organizers piled on the pageantry for July Fourth itself, scheduling an ambitious aerial program that began with a NASA F-5 flyover and stretched into an all-day fleet review showcasing aircraft and parachute teams from across the services. The Freedom 250 schedule and local flight guides made clear this was meant to be one of the most extensive flyover programs Washington has seen in years, a fitting tribute for our semiquincentennial.
The Great American State Fair, running June 25 through July 10, has the feel of a modern Worlds Fair with state pavilions, a giant Ferris wheel, rodeo demonstrations and patriotic exhibits that celebrate entrepreneurship, faith and service. Ordinary Americans — families, veterans and service members — turned out in force to see their history honored instead of watched through the usual coastal filter.
Not everyone applauded; Democratic governors from several states opted out of the national fair, citing cost and alleging partisan overtones as their reasons for staying away. Their withdrawals only underscored a sad truth: the left would rather pick fights and score political points than join a unifying celebration of the country’s founding and the men and women who defend it.
The festivities were not without challenges — extreme heat forced a temporary closure on the afternoon of July 3 and medics treated overheated attendees, a blunt reminder that large, nationwide celebrations require sober logistical planning and respect for public safety. Organizers adjusted schedules and cooling measures, but the determination to honor America and its defenders didn’t waver.
Patriots should take heart: this was America unbowed, celebrating its history, its military and its people on the grandest public stage. While the coastal elites grumble and shrink from public displays of national pride, hardworking Americans showed up to cheer, to teach their children what duty and country look like, and to insist that patriotism is not a partisan hobby but the glue that holds a republic together.
