♪♪ -Live from the United States Capitol, it's the 45th anniversary of "A Capitol Fourth."

And now, please welcome our July 4th host, iconic actor and television star Alfonso Ribeiro.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Welcome, America, to our National Independence Day Celebration.

And to kick things off, here is Grammy Award winner Lauren Daigle.

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "America the Beautiful" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ 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 ♪ ♪ From sea to shining sea ♪ ♪ Ohhhh, ohhhh, oh ♪ ♪ Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Live from the United States Capitol, It's our National Independence Day Celebration.

Tonight, "A Capitol Fourth" welcomes the following stars.

America's legendary band, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members The Beach Boys, a multi-platinum, two-time Grammy-nominated country music star, Josh Turner, one of the greatest vocal groups of all time, Motown superstars The Temptations, multiple Grammy- and Billboard Music Award-winning artist Lauren Daigle, New Orleans music legend, Grammy winner Trombone Shorty, the First Lady of modern gospel, Grammy winner Yolanda Adams, country music's iconic feel-good duo LOCASH, singing sensation, 2024 "American Idol" winner Abi Carter, 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 U.S. Army Band, Pershing's Own, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the Joint Armed Forces Chorus, The U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery, the Armed Forces Color Guard and Service Color Teams.

And to present our nation's colors, members of our Armed Forces from the Military District of Washington carrying our 56 state and territorial flags.

"A Capitol Fourth" is made possible by the Boeing Company.

♪♪ -This 4th of July, 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... ...and by contributions to your PBS station from viewers like you.

Thank you.

♪♪ And now, please rise in body or spirit for the singing of our national anthem performed by Yolanda Adams.

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ 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 rocket's 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 ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Welcome back our July 4th host from "Dancing with the Stars," Alfonso Ribeiro.

[ Cheers and applause continue ] ♪♪ -Happy birthday, America!

I am once again so honored to be hosting our official National Independence Day Celebration As I look out at this incredible crowd, I see people gathered here from all across our nation, an amazing sea of red, white, and blue embodying the true American spirit.

It's a spirit of optimism, of a willingness to strive for greatness, a belief in the American ideal, a commitment to our communities and love of our country.

And we are enjoying this day exactly as founding father John Adams predicted we would 249 years ago.

He said that we will celebrate our Independence Day with parades and games, sports and bells, music and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore.

Although I have a feeling even he never could have imagined a crowd this enthusiastic.

So -- [ Cheers and applause ] Yeah.

So let's wave those flags as we celebrate this holiday and our freedom.

Celebrate, y'all.

Let's see it.

[ Cheers and applause continue ] Yeah, we've got a great night ahead of us.

And as always on "A Capitol Fourth," the best fireworks in the land.

And joining us, as always, is the National Symphony Orchestra, led by maestro Jack Everly.

-Thank you, Alfonso.

And on behalf of the musicians of our National Symphony Orchestra, happy birthday, America.

-Thank you, Jack.

-Love you.

-Our next performers have been called one of the most successful groups in music history.

They are Motown legends, NAACP Image Award winners, and recipients of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, music trailblazers who have entertained millions of fans and over the decades, they have given the world an amazing 42 top-10 hits, with 14 reaching number 1.

So get on your feet right now and get ready to dance and welcome The Temptations.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ -♪ I never met a girl who makes me feel the way that you do ♪ -♪ You're alright ♪ -♪ Whenever I'm asked who makes my dreams real ♪ ♪ I say that you do ♪ -♪ You're outta sight ♪ -♪ So, fee-fi-fo-fum ♪ ♪ Look out, baby, 'cause here I come ♪ ♪ I'm bringing you a love that's true ♪ ♪ So get ready, get ready ♪ ♪ I'm gonna try to make you love me too ♪ ♪ So get ready, get ready 'cause here I come ♪ -♪ Get ready 'cause here I come ♪ -♪ I'm on my way ♪ -♪ Get ready 'cause here I come ♪ -♪ If you wanna play hide and seek with love ♪ ♪ Let me remind you ♪ -♪ It's alright ♪ -♪ The lovin' you're gonna miss ♪ ♪ And the time it takes to find you ♪ -♪ It's outta sight ♪ -♪ So, fiddley-dee, fiddley-dum ♪ ♪ Look out, baby, 'cause here I come ♪ ♪ I'm bringing you a love that's true ♪ ♪ Get ready, get ready ♪ ♪ I'm gonna try to make you love me too ♪ ♪ So get ready, get ready ♪ -♪ Get ready 'cause here I come ♪ -♪ I'm on my way ♪ -♪ Get ready 'cause here I come ♪ ♪ Get ready ♪ ♪ So get ready ♪ ♪ So get ready, ready, ready ♪ ♪ 'Cause here we come ♪ -♪ Ooh, ooh ♪ ♪ Get ready ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you.

Now let's get ready to reminisce on some of this.

♪♪ -♪ You've got a smile so bright ♪ -♪ You know you could have been a candle ♪ -♪ I'm holding you so tight ♪ -♪ You know you could have been a handle ♪ ♪ Girl, the way you swept me off my feet ♪ ♪ You know you could have been a broom ♪ -♪ The way you smell so sweet ♪ -♪ You know you could have been some perfume ♪ -♪ Well, you could have been anything that you wanted to ♪ ♪ And I can tell ♪ -♪ The way you do the things you do ♪ -♪ The way you do the things you do ♪ ♪ The way you do the things you do ♪ ♪ As pretty as you are ♪ -♪ You know you could have been a flower ♪ -♪ If good looks was a minute ♪ -♪ You know that you could be an hour ♪ ♪ Girl, the way you stole my heart ♪ ♪ You know you could have been a cool crook ♪ -♪ Baby, you're so smart ♪ -♪ You know you could have been a schoolbook ♪ -♪ Well, you could have been anything that you wanted to ♪ ♪ And I can tell ♪ -♪ The way you do the things you do ♪ -♪ The way you do the things you do ♪ -We're gonna dance for y'all.

♪♪ ♪♪ -Thank you.

[ Cheers and applause ] Now, ladies and gentlemen, sing with us the Temptations' national anthem.

[ "My Girl" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ I've got sunshine on a cloudy day ♪ ♪ When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May ♪ Come on, y'all, help us sing the song.

♪ Well ♪ -♪ I guess you'd say ♪ -♪ What can make ♪ -♪ What can make ♪ -♪ What can make me feel this way?

♪ ♪ My girl ♪ -♪ My girl, my girl ♪ -♪ Talkin' 'bout my girl ♪ -♪ My girl ♪ -♪ I've got so, so much honey, the bees envy me ♪ ♪ I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees ♪ ♪ Come on, y'all, help me sing this song, y'all ♪ -♪ I guess you'd say ♪ -♪ I guess ♪ ♪ What can make ♪ -♪ What can make me feel this way?

♪ -♪ Ooh, it's my girl ♪ -♪ My girl, my girl ♪ -♪ Talkin' 'bout my girl ♪ -♪ My girl ♪ -♪ Ooh, ooh ♪ ♪ Yeah ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪ ♪ Come on, y'all ♪ -♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪ -Sing it like you mean it right now!

-♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪ -♪ Ooooh ♪ ♪ Hey, oh ♪ ♪ I don't need no money, fortune, or fame ♪ ♪ Listen ♪ ♪ I've got all the riches, baby, one little man can claim ♪ This is your last chance.

♪ Everyone sing the song right now ♪ -♪ I guess you'd say ♪ -♪ What can make ♪ -♪ What can make me feel this way?

♪ -♪ It's my girl ♪ -♪ My girl, my girl ♪ -♪ Talkin' 'bout, talkin' 'bout my girl ♪ -♪ My girl, my girl ♪ -♪ I've got sunshine on a cloudy day ♪ ♪ With my girl ♪ ♪ I've even got the month of May ♪ ♪ With my girl ♪ -♪ My girl, whoa-oh ♪ -♪ Talkin' 'bout my girl ♪ -♪ My girl ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -Thank you very much.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Wow!

The Temptations, y'all.

That was legendary.

Yes.

And so are tonight's fireworks.

And they're coming up real soon.

Alright?

Now, just a reminder, whether you're tuning in from home, hosting a party, or celebrating here with us live, we want to see how you're celebrating America's birthday.

So snap a pic and share it with the hashtag on your screen.

And right now we have another music icon taking the stage.

He's a Grammy Award winner, the pride of New Orleans, And he's bringing a Mardi Gras party vibe here to the nation's capital.

Give it up for Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ -Here we go.

♪♪ Whoo!

♪♪ Everybody, hands up in the air!

♪ Hey!

Hey!

Come on, come on ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Whoo ♪ ♪♪ One more time, hands up in the air!

♪ Hey ♪ Come on, come on.

♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -Alright, y'all.

♪ Well, I'm going to New Orleans ♪ ♪ I wanna see that Mardi Gras ♪ -♪ See the Mardi, Mardi Gras ♪ ♪ See the Mardi Gras ♪ -♪ When we get to New Orleans ♪ ♪ I wanna see that Mardi Gras ♪ -♪ See the Mardi, Mardi Gras ♪ ♪ See the Mardi Gras ♪ -♪ When we get down there, I want to see the big parade ♪ ♪ Oh, yeah, uh ♪ ♪ I got my ticket in my hand ♪ ♪ Down on Rampart and Dumaine ♪ -♪ See the Mardi, Mardi Gras ♪ ♪ See the Mardi Gras ♪ ♪ I got my ticket in my hand ♪ ♪ Down on Rampart and Dumaine ♪ -♪ See the Mardi, Mardi Gras ♪ ♪ See the Mardi Gras ♪ -♪ When we get down there, I want to see the Zulu King ♪ Alright, alright, here we go, y'all.

-♪ We gonna jump and shout ♪ -♪ We gonna turn this party out ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ -♪ We gonna jump and shout ♪ -♪ We gonna turn this party out ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ We gonna jump and shout ♪ ♪ We gonna turn this party out ♪ Alright, alright, alright.

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ Alright, everybody, put your hands right here.

We're going deep down in New Orleans.

We party out!

Ohhhhh, yeah!

[ Rhythmic clapping ] [ Playing "When the Saints Go Marching In" ] ♪♪ ♪♪ Sing with me, y'all.

♪ Oh, when the saints go marching in ♪ ♪ Oh, when the saints go marching in ♪ ♪ Oh, I want to be in that number ♪ ♪ Oh, when the saints go marching in ♪ Would you sing, Tracy?

-♪ Oh, when the sun refuse to shine ♪ ♪ When the sun refused to shine ♪ ♪ I want to be in that number ♪ ♪ When the saints go marching in, yeah ♪ -♪ I said now everybody needs somebody ♪ ♪ Everybody needs somebody ♪ ♪ Everybody needs somebody ♪ ♪ Everybody needs somebody ♪ ♪ I need you, you, you ♪ ♪ I need you, you, you ♪ ♪ I need you, you, you ♪ ♪ I need you, you, you ♪ ♪ I need you, you, you ♪ -♪ I said you, you, you ♪ ♪ I need you, you, you ♪ -♪ You, you, you ♪ Come on.

[ Playing "When the Saints Go Marching In" ] ♪♪ -Come on, y'all.

♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you.

With love from New Orleans.

Hey!

[ Cheers and applause continue ] -Whoo!

Thank you, Trombone Shorty.

That was iconic I love that.

Partying up in here now.

Okay, we've got a performance by another Louisiana native.

She's won eight Billboard Music Awards as a top Christian artist and two Grammy Awards.

So get ready for more dancing because taking the stage right now is Lauren Daigle.

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "Walking on Sunshine" playing ] -Y'all, get on your feet now tonight, let's go!

This is gonna be one that you know, alright?

Whoo!

♪ Oh, yeah ♪ ♪♪ ♪ I used to think maybe you loved me ♪ ♪ Oh, baby, it's true ♪ ♪ And I just can't wait for the day when I bump into you ♪ Whoo!

♪ Then every time I go for the mailbox ♪ ♪ Gotta hold myself down ♪ ♪ Oh, yeah now ♪ ♪ Oh, I just can't wait till you write me you're coming around ♪ Sing it out, y'all!

♪ I'm walking on sunshine, whoa-oh ♪ ♪ I'm walking on sunshine, whoa-oh ♪ ♪ I'm walking on sunshine, whoa-oh ♪ ♪ And don't it feel good?

♪ ♪ Hey, whoo ♪ ♪ And don't it feel good?

♪ ♪ Oh, yeah ♪ ♪ I used to think maybe you loved me ♪ ♪ Oh, baby, it's true ♪ ♪ And I don't want to spend my whole life ♪ ♪ Just waiting for you ♪ ♪ I don't want you back for the weekend ♪ ♪ Not back for a day, oh, no, no, no ♪ ♪ I said baby, I just want you back and I want you to stay ♪ ♪ Oh, yeah now, now ♪ ♪ I'm walking on sunshine, whoa-oh ♪ ♪ I'm walking on sunshine, whoa-oh ♪ ♪ I'm walking on sunshine, whoa-oh ♪ ♪ And don't it feel good?

♪ Whoo!

♪ And don't it feel good?

♪ ♪ And don't it feel ♪ Let's go, y'all!

Time to dance!

Whoo!

♪♪ ♪ Oh, oh ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Oh, yeah ♪ ♪ I'm walking on sunshine, whoa-oh ♪ ♪ I'm walking on sunshine, whoa-oh ♪ ♪ I'm walking on sunshine, whoa-oh ♪ ♪ And don't it feel good?

♪ ♪♪ ♪ And don't it feel good?

♪ ♪ And don't it feel good?

♪ Whoo!

♪ And don't it feel good?

♪ ♪ Oh, yeah ♪ ♪ And don't it feel ♪ ♪ I feel the love, I feel the love ♪ ♪ I feel the love that's really real ♪ ♪ I feel the love, I feel the love, I feel ♪ -♪ And don't it feel good?

♪ -♪ I'm on sunshine, baby ♪ Whoo!

-♪ And don't it feel good?

♪ -♪ I'm on sunshine, baby, yeah ♪ And don't it feel?

♪ Yeaaaaaaaah ♪ ♪ Whoo-ah-oh ♪ Happy birthday, America!

[ Cheers and applause ] -Whoo!

Thank you, Lauren.

Oh, I'm feeling the sunshine.

I'm feeling the sunshine.

And we've got so much more coming up for everybody at this party now.

Everyone excited about the fireworks?

[ Cheers and applause ] Is everyone having a great time?

I know I am, so wave those flags and show everyone your proud American spirit, okay?

Now, one powerful song that speaks to that spirit of optimism, of resilience, and of a willingness to strive for greatness is "The Climb."

To perform it is an artist called one of the best singers to ever appear on a competition show.

So please welcome the 2024 season 22 "American Idol" winner, Abi Carter.

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "The Climb" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ I can almost see it ♪ ♪ That dream I'm dreaming ♪ ♪ But there's a voice inside my head saying ♪ ♪ You'll never reach it ♪ ♪ Every step I'm taking ♪ ♪ Every move I make feels ♪ ♪ Lost with no direction ♪ ♪ My faith is shaking ♪ ♪ But I ♪ ♪ I gotta keep trying ♪ ♪ I gotta keep my head held high ♪ ♪ There's always gonna be another mountain ♪ ♪ I'm always gonna wanna make it move ♪ ♪ Always gonna be an uphill battle ♪ ♪ Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose ♪ ♪ It ain't about how fast I get there ♪ ♪ It ain't about what's waiting on the other side ♪ ♪ It's the climb ♪ ♪♪ ♪ The struggles I'm facing ♪ ♪ The chances I'm taking ♪ ♪ Well, sometimes might knock me down, but ♪ ♪ No, I'm not breaking ♪ ♪ I may not know it ♪ ♪ But these are the moments that ♪ ♪ I'm gonna remember most, yeah ♪ ♪ I just gotta keep going ♪ ♪ And I ♪ ♪ I gotta be strong ♪ ♪ And just keep pushing on, 'cause ♪ ♪ There's always gonna be another mountain ♪ ♪ I'm always gonna wanna make it move ♪ ♪ Always gonna be an uphill battle ♪ ♪ Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose ♪ ♪ Ain't about how fast I get there ♪ ♪ It ain't about what's waiting on the other side ♪ ♪ It's the climb ♪ ♪ Yeah, yeah ♪ ♪ I keep on moving, keep climbing ♪ ♪ Keep the faith, baby ♪ ♪ It's all about ♪ ♪ All about the climb ♪ Happy Independence Day, America.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you, Abi.

Wow.

So beautiful.

Tonight is a celebration, a birthday party for our nation.

But it is also an opportunity to reflect and rejoice in our patriotism, to be inspired by who we are as a people, to shine the spotlight on our American spirit.

A song that truly embodies that spirit as we celebrate our freedom is "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Performing this American classic, accompanied by Patrick Lundy and the Ministers of Music, is Yolanda Adams.

♪♪ -♪ 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 His terrible swift sword ♪ ♪ His truth is marching on, oh ♪ -♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Oh, glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Oh, help us, glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ For his truth is marching ♪ Now I need all of you to sing with me on this next part, okay?

Come on now!

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ ♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Glory, need your glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ I see you ♪ ♪ Oh, glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Oh, his truth is ♪ ♪ It's marching on ♪ ♪ One more time ♪ ♪ Glory, Lord, we need your glory ♪ ♪ Now we need your glory ♪ ♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Oh, oh, glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ For his truth is ♪ ♪ Now for those of you who sing...take it ♪ -♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ -♪ Yes, glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ -♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ -♪ Glory, hallelujah ♪ -♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ -♪ Glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ His truth is marching on ♪ ♪ Come on, clap those hands, I say ♪ ♪ Glory, glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Lift your voices in glory, glory, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Oh-oh, his truth ♪ ♪ His truth is marchiiiiiing ♪ ♪ Ohhh-ohhhhh ♪ -♪ Truth is marching ♪ ♪ Truth is marching ♪ -♪ Is marching oooooooooooon ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Wow.

Thank you, Yolanda.

Are y'all feeling it?

I'm feeling it.

Whoo!

Now, listen, for all of you hosting "A Capitol Fourth" viewing parties across the nation, make sure to post your pictures and remind everybody that coming up soon are the best fireworks in the land.

Alright?

Okay, now, I think we have more Grammy nominees and winners performing tonight than the actual Grammys.

Like our next performer, who is a two-time nominee with five number-1 singles to his credit and whose records have billions of streams.

And he's here right now to perform "Firecracker."

Give it up for Josh Turner.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Happy birthday America.

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Yeah ♪ ♪ When I look in her eyes, it ain't no surprise ♪ ♪ Sparks start a-flyin' like the 4th of July ♪ ♪ She gets me so hot, my heart starts a-poppin' ♪ ♪ We get to kissin', there ain't no stoppin' ♪ ♪ When it comes to love, she ain't no slacker ♪ ♪ My little darlin' is a firecracker ♪ ♪♪ ♪ When I light the fuse, I gotta get back quick ♪ ♪ You gotta be careful with a dynamite stick ♪ ♪ Son of a gun, she's fun to handle ♪ ♪ And she packs a punch like a Roman candle ♪ ♪ She's a pack of black cats in a red paper wrapper ♪ ♪ My little darlin' is a firecracker ♪ ♪♪ ♪ We might not ought to take a roll in the hay ♪ ♪ 'Cause we'd burn the barn down one of these days ♪ ♪ We're a match made in heaven, man, it ain't no joke ♪ ♪ But I'd sure I hate to see it go up in smoke ♪ ♪ We got a good thing going and it feels so right ♪ ♪ She's a firecracker ♪ ♪ She's the light of my life ♪ ♪♪ ♪ She goes off with a great big bang ♪ ♪ Boys, I tell ya it's a beautiful thing ♪ ♪ When she takes off, you better hang on tight ♪ ♪ Blonde bottle rocket in the middle of the night ♪ ♪ When she makes love, she's a heart attacker ♪ ♪ My little darlin' is a firecracker ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Might not ought to take a roll in the hay ♪ ♪ 'Cause we'd burn the barn down one of these days ♪ ♪ We're a match made in heaven, man, it ain't no joke ♪ ♪ But I'd sure I hate to see it go up in smoke ♪ ♪ We got a good thing going and it feels so right ♪ ♪ She's a firecracker ♪ ♪ She's the light of my life ♪ ♪ Uh-huh ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Yeah, we got a good thing going and it feels so right ♪ ♪ She's a firecracker ♪ ♪ She's the light of my life ♪ ♪ We got a good thing going and it feels so right ♪ ♪ She's a firecracker ♪ ♪ She's the light of my life ♪ ♪ She's a firecracker ♪ ♪ She's the light of my life ♪ ♪ Mm-hmm ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Firecracker, firecracker ♪ ♪ Whoo-hoo-hoo ♪ [ Hissing ] ♪ Fire ♪ ♪ Aaaah ♪ ♪ Firecracker, firecracker ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause continue ] Oh, thank you so much.

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Like so many people across our nation, I had a family member who answered the call to serve when our country needed them most.

It was my granddaddy, Drexell Turner.

About 10 years ago, I was looking at my granddaddy's medals and it had a profound effect on me.

So I wrote this song as a tribute to him, and I dedicate it now to him and to all of America's unsung heroes.

[ "Unsung Hero" playing ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ He joined the Army in '42 ♪ ♪ Fightin' for his country and me and you ♪ ♪ Didn't talk about his medals or what he'd seen ♪ ♪ Was a man of few words about everything ♪ ♪ Wasn't in the paper or on TV ♪ ♪ Hollywood never called ♪ ♪ All he did for us we may never know ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪ People like that you don't know their name ♪ ♪ And you probably never will ♪ ♪ They didn't do what they did for praise or fame ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪♪ ♪ He got a letter from the president ♪ ♪ Lettin' him know how much it meant ♪ ♪ To all the men and women of the USA ♪ ♪ For answerin' the call and for the price he paid ♪ ♪ He put the letter in a dresser drawer ♪ ♪ It never saw the light of day ♪ ♪ All he hid from us we may never know ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪ People like that you don't know their name ♪ ♪ And you probably never will ♪ ♪ They didn't do what they did for praise or fame ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ He was a hardworkin' man and he loved his wife ♪ ♪ Did everything he could to give her a good life ♪ ♪ Active in his church and his garden too ♪ ♪ Never had a lot of money but he made it through ♪ ♪ I tip my hat to all the men like that ♪ ♪ Who've ever fought to keep us free ♪ ♪ He was my daddy's daddy and I want you to know ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪ He's an unsung hero ♪ ♪ He's my unsung ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] My granddaddy is no longer with us, but we are blessed that with us tonight, representing all who served our nation during the Second World War are these heroes from our Greatest Generation.

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -In addition to our musical performances throughout tonight's celebration, we wanted to share with you this very special video featuring active-duty heroes speaking about why they serve.

♪♪ -So, I serve in the Army because I want to protect my family and my loved ones.

But it doesn't just end there.

I want to protect everyone's families, everybody's loved ones.

-I feel like life is not just about yourself.

It's about a greater purpose serving the greater humanity, the greater good, and being a part of something that's just bigger than yourself.

-There's nothing better than to serve for -- for the American people and the people of this country.

I'm proud to be a service member and proud to be an American.

And every day that I wake up, I'm happy that I'm able to serve and I'm proud to put on this uniform.

-This year, we have a landmark anniversary to celebrate.

In fact, three of them for 2025 marks the 250th birthdays of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

[ Cheers and applause ] Our Armed Forces answered the call for service even before our original 13 colonies united to form a nation.

They were the very first American patriots, coming from all walks of life to fight and win our independence from Great Britain.

Their story, one of heroism and courage, began in April 1775.

At Lexington and Concord, militiamen from Massachusetts fought and died in the first battles of the Revolutionary War.

Over the course of the next few weeks, the Continental Congress took steps to create a fighting force representing all 13 colonies, and in June 1775, the Congress authorized the creation of a force of war fighters that has become the most admired and powerful army in the world, the United States Army.

From its beginning, the Army's mission has always been to safeguard our nation and protect our citizens, always committed to honoring the motto adopted by the Continental Army, "This we'll defend."

A few short months later, it became clear that the battles against British tyranny would be fought on the sea as well as on land.

And in October 1775, our founding fathers created the United States Navy.

And that tiny fleet played a critical role in our eight-year struggle for independence.

Today, 250 years later, guided by the words "not self but country," those who serve in our Navy continue to faithfully defend our freedom.

Now, from its very beginning, in November 1775, the U.S. Marine Corps has played a leading role in battles across the globe, the proud few committed to fight for all.

And the fighting spirit forged in the fires of the American Revolution lives on in our Marines today.

And these words have and always shall remain true -- "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

We are able to be here tonight enjoying our freedom because of what our military services have accomplished.

Please join me as we pay tribute to those who serve today and all who have served in the United States Army, the Navy, and the Marine Corps.

[ Cheers and applause ] We now salute all the men and women from every branch of our Armed Forces, our armed services, as maestro Jack Everly, our orchestra, and military choruses perform the "Armed Forces Medley."

Whether here or watching at home, if you are able, please stand when your service song is presented.

♪♪ The United States Coast Guard!

-♪ We're always ready for the call ♪ ♪ We place our trust in thee ♪ ♪ Through surf and storm and howling gale ♪ ♪ High shall our purpose be ♪ ♪ "Semper Paratus" is our guide ♪ ♪ Our fame, our glory, too ♪ ♪ To fight to save or fight and die ♪ ♪ Aye, Coast Guard, we are for you ♪ -The United States Space Force!

-♪ We're the mighty watchful eye ♪ ♪ Guardians beyond the blue ♪ ♪ The invisible front line ♪ ♪ Warfighters brave and true ♪ ♪ Boldly reaching into space ♪ ♪ There's no limit to our sky ♪ ♪ Standing guard both night and day ♪ ♪ We're the Space Force from on high ♪ -The United States Air Force!

♪♪ -♪ Off we go into the wild blue yonder ♪ ♪ Climbing high into the sun ♪ ♪ Here they come zooming to meet our thunder ♪ ♪ At ‘em now, give 'em the gun ♪ ♪ Give 'em the gun!

♪ ♪ Down we dive, spouting our flame from under ♪ ♪ Off with one helluva roar ♪ ♪ We live in fame or go down in flame ♪ ♪ Hey, nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force ♪ -The United States Navy!

-♪ Anchors aweigh, my boys ♪ ♪ Anchors aweigh ♪ ♪ Farewell to foreign shores ♪ ♪ We sail at break of day, of day ♪ ♪ Through our last night on shore ♪ ♪ Drink to the foam ♪ ♪ Until we meet once more ♪ ♪ Here's wishing you a happy voyage home ♪ -The United States Marines!

♪♪ -♪ From the Halls of Montezuma ♪ ♪ To the shores of Tripoli ♪ ♪ We fight our country's battles ♪ ♪ In the air, on land, and sea ♪ ♪ First to fight for right and freedom ♪ ♪ And to keep our honor clean ♪ ♪ We are proud to claim the title ♪ ♪ Of United States Marine ♪ -The United States Army!

♪♪ -♪ First to fight for the right ♪ ♪ And to build the nation's might ♪ ♪ And the Army goes rolling along ♪ ♪ Proud of all we have done ♪ ♪ Fighting till the battle's won ♪ ♪ And the Army goes rolling along ♪ ♪ Then it's hi, hi, hey ♪ ♪ The Army's on its way ♪ ♪ Count off the cadence loud and strong ♪ ♪ For where e'er we go, you will always know ♪ ♪ That the Army goes rolling along ♪ ♪ Rolling along ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Wow.

So powerful, so powerful.

With us tonight are wounded, ill, and injured veterans from Fort Belvoir Hospital and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Please join us in showing our appreciation for these American heroes and for our nation's military families.

Give it up, y'all.

[ Cheers and applause ] We all love you.

We absolutely love you.

And as we know, heroes come in so many different forms.

Some wear the uniform of our nation and defend our freedom overseas.

Others are first responders here at home.

In crisis after crisis, whenever there is danger to an entire community or a need by a single person or family, they are there on the front lines for all of us.

It is just one of the many reasons I am so proud to be the grandson of Joy Ribeiro, who worked in law enforcement, and the son of a police officer, Lieutenant Michael Ribeiro.

I love you all.

Thank you.

Love you, Dad.

There are so many first responders here with us tonight.

Joining us are firefighters... [ Cheers and applause ] ...paramedics... [ Cheers and applause continue ] ...EMTs... [ Cheers and applause continue ] ...healthcare workers... [ Cheers and applause continue ] And a member of the U.S. Capitol Police.

[ Cheers and applause continue ] And now, everyone, please take out your phones.

Turn on the flashlights.

Hold them up high.

Keep them shining and wave them as Lauren Daigle performs a song dedicated to all of America's first responders.

[ "Rescue" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ You are not hidden ♪ ♪ There's never been a moment ♪ ♪ You were forgotten ♪ ♪ You are not hopeless ♪ ♪ Though you have been broken ♪ ♪ Your innocence stolen ♪ ♪ I hear you whisper underneath your breath ♪ ♪ I hear your SOS, your SOS ♪ ♪ I will send out an army to find you ♪ ♪ In the middle of the darkest night ♪ ♪ It's true, I will rescue you ♪ ♪ There is no distance ♪ ♪ That cannot be covered ♪ ♪ Over and over ♪ ♪ You're not defenseless ♪ ♪ I'll be your shelter ♪ ♪ I'll be your armor ♪ ♪ I hear you whisper underneath your breath ♪ ♪ I hear your SOS, your SOS ♪ ♪ I will send out an army to find you ♪ ♪ In the middle of the darkest night ♪ ♪ It's true, I will rescue you ♪ ♪ I, I will never stop marching to reach you ♪ ♪ In the middle of the hardest fight ♪ ♪ It's true, I will rescue you ♪ ♪ I hear the whisper underneath your breath ♪ ♪ I hear you whisper, you have nothing left ♪ ♪ I will send out an army to find you ♪ ♪ In the middle of the darkest night ♪ ♪ It's true, I will rescue you ♪ ♪ Ohhhh ♪ ♪ I, I will never stop marching to reach you ♪ ♪ In the middle of the hardest fight ♪ ♪ It's true, I will rescue you ♪ ♪ Oh, I will rescue ♪ ♪ You ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Lauren, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Now I'm here with the Hull family.

Now, where are you guys from?

-Indiana.

-Indiana.

Okay.

And are you enjoying America's birthday party?

-Yes!

-I love that, I love that.

Well, I hope you are getting ready for the best fireworks in America, because we are just minutes away.

Alright, you ready?

-Yes!

-Okay.

Alright.

Now, I love a good patriotic song.

And I love a great one even better.

So get those flags ready to wave during this next performance by a fantastic country duo.

You guys want to help me out?

Alright.

Say it for me.

-Here is LOCASH!

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "Three Favorite Colors" plays ] -Come on, everybody up.

Let's go!

Here we go.

♪♪ ♪ My favorite music's country ♪ ♪ And my favorite truck's a Ford ♪ ♪ My favorite spot to fish is down on the Floribama shore ♪ -♪ My go-to bar is Tootsie's ♪ ♪ And my beer of choice is Coors ♪ ♪ And when it comes to college football teams ♪ ♪ There's only one that I cheer for ♪ ♪ But I got three favorite colors ♪ ♪ Not just one, not just two ♪ ♪ I got three favorite letters ♪ ♪ Lemme spell 'em out for you ♪ ♪ They say USA ♪ ♪ Where I wish everything was made ♪ ♪ Every truck, every boot, every tool ♪ ♪ Yeah, I got three favorite colors ♪ ♪ And that's red, white, and blue ♪ ♪ My favorite road is Red Dirt ♪ ♪ Yeah, I love my big sky blue ♪ ♪ I paint my picket fences white ♪ ♪ And I got me a front-porch view ♪ ♪ My flag out in the front yard ♪ ♪ Just a-blowin' in the breeze ♪ ♪ And if you ask me to pick out just one ♪ ♪ I can't, no, not me ♪ ♪ 'Cause I got three favorite colors ♪ ♪ Not just one, not just two ♪ ♪ I got three favorite letters ♪ ♪ Lemme spell 'em out for you ♪ ♪ They say USA ♪ ♪ Where I wish everything was made ♪ ♪ Every truck, every boot, every tool ♪ ♪ I got three favorite colors ♪ ♪ And that's red, white, and blue ♪ ♪♪ ♪ This song's for the home of the brave ♪ ♪ For the land of the free ♪ ♪ We're gonna sing it one more time on the count of ♪ ♪ One, two, three ♪ ♪ I got three favorite colors ♪ ♪ Not just one, not just two ♪ ♪ I got three favorite letters ♪ ♪ Lemme spell 'em out for you ♪ ♪ They say USA ♪ ♪ Where I wish everything was made ♪ ♪ Every truck, every boot, every tool ♪ ♪ Yeah, I got three favorite colors ♪ ♪ And that's red, white, and blue ♪ ♪♪ ♪ We're all about the red, white, and blue ♪ ♪ Talkin' about red, white, and blue ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Happy birthday, America!

-Hey, America.

Happy Independence Day.

-Happy Independence Day, America.

-Happy birthday, America.

-So, as a service member in the United States Army, in the best capital and in the best army in the world, I want to wish America a happy birthday.

-Happy Independence Day, America.

Go, Navy!

Hooyah.

-Happy birthday, America.

-Happy Independence Day, America, from the Air and Space Force Honor Guard.

-Happy birthday, America!

Hurrah!

♪♪ [ Applause ] -You ready for more music?

[ Cheers and applause ] I know I am.

They're "A Capitol Fourth" favorite and members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

So get up and get ready to dance because here are the Beach Boys.

[ Cheers and applause ] [ "Surfin' USA" plays ] -♪ If everybody had an ocean ♪ ♪ Across the USA ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ Then everybody'd be surfin' ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ Like Californ-i-a ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ You'd see them wearing their baggies ♪ ♪ Huarache sandals too ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ A bushy, bushy blond hairdo ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ Surfin' USA ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ You'd catch 'em surfin' at Del Mar ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ Ventura County line ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ Santa Cruz and Trestles ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ Australia's Narrabeen ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ All over Manhattan ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ And down Doheny Way ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ Everybody's gone surfin' ♪ ♪ Surfin' USA ♪ ♪ We'll all be planning that route ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ We're gonna take real soon ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ We're waxing down our surfboards ♪ ♪ We can't wait for June ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ We'll all be gone for the summer ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ We're on surfari to stay ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ ♪ You tell the teacher we're surfin' ♪ ♪ Surfin' USA ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ Haggerties and Swamis ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ Pacific Palisades ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ San Onofre and Sunset ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ Redondo Beach, L.A. ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ All over La Jolla ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ At Waimea Bay ♪ -♪ Inside, outside, USA ♪ -♪ Everybody's gone surfin' ♪ ♪ Surfin' USA ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -♪ Everybody's gone surfin' ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ Surfin' USA ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ Everybody's gone surfin' ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ Surfin' USA ♪ -♪ Ooh ♪ -♪ Yeah, everybody's gone surfin' ♪ -♪ Surfin' USA ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] [ "Wouldn’t It Be Nice" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ Wouldn't it be nice if we were older?

♪ ♪ Then we wouldn't have to wait so long ♪ ♪ And wouldn't it be nice to live together ♪ ♪ In the kind of world where we belong?

♪ -♪ You know it's gonna make it that much better ♪ ♪ When we can say good night and stay together ♪ -♪ Wouldn't it be nice if we could wake up ♪ ♪ In the morning when the day is new?

♪ ♪ And after having spent the day together ♪ ♪ Hold each other close the whole night through ♪ ♪ Happy times together we've been spending ♪ ♪ I wish that every kiss was never-ending ♪ -♪ Oh, wouldn't it be nice?

♪ -♪ Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray ♪ ♪ It might come true ♪ -♪ Buh, buh, buh ♪ -♪ Baby, then there wouldn't be a single thing we couldn't do ♪ -♪ We could be married ♪ -♪ We could be married ♪ -♪ And then we'd be happy ♪ -♪ And then we'd be happy ♪ -♪ Oh, wouldn't it be nice?

♪ -♪ Buh, buh, buh ♪ ♪ Buh, buh, buh ♪ ♪ Buh, buh, buh ♪ ♪ Buh, buh, buh ♪ ♪♪ ♪ You know it seems the more we talk about it ♪ ♪ It only makes it worse to live without it ♪ ♪ But let's talk about it ♪ -♪ Oh, wouldn't it be nice?

♪ -♪ Buh, buh, buh ♪ ♪ Buh, buh, buh, buh, buh ♪ -♪ Good night, my baby ♪ ♪ Sleep tight, my baby ♪ ♪ Good night, my baby ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] [ "Help Me, Rhonda" plays ] ♪♪ -♪ Since she put me down I've been out doin' in my head ♪ ♪ In late at night and in the mornin' I just stay in bed ♪ ♪ Rhonda, you look so fine ♪ -♪ You look so fine ♪ ♪ And I can tell you lots of reasons why ♪ ♪ You gotta help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me get her out of my heart ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ -♪ Help me, Rhonda, yeah ♪ -♪ Get her out of my heart ♪ ♪♪ ♪ She was gonna be my wife ♪ ♪ And I was gonna be her man ♪ -♪ Ooh, ooh-ooh ♪ -♪ Then she let another guy come between us ♪ ♪ And it shattered our plan ♪ -♪ Ooh, come on, Rhonda ♪ -♪ Rhonda you caught my eye ♪ -♪ Caught my eye ♪ -♪ And I can tell you lots of reasons why ♪ ♪ You gotta help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me get her out of my heart ♪ -♪ Buh, buh, buh ♪ -♪ One time ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ -♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ -♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ -♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ -♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ -♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ -♪ Help me, Rhonda, yeah ♪ -♪ Get her out of my heart ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -That's Randy Leago on the saxophone-o.

-♪ Buh, buh, buh, buh, buh ♪ -♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help me, Rhonda ♪ ♪ Help, help me, Rhonda ♪ -♪ Help me, Rhonda, yeah ♪ -♪ Get her out of my heart ♪ ♪♪ -♪ Help me, Rhonda, yeah ♪ -♪ Get her out of my heart ♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Let's add a little country flair for the next song with LOCASH.

[ "Fun, Fun, Fun" plays ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ Well, she got her daddy's car ♪ ♪ And she cruised through the hamburger stand now ♪ ♪ Seems she forgot all about the library ♪ ♪ Like she told her old man now ♪ ♪ And with the radio blasting ♪ ♪ Goes cruising just as fast as she can now ♪ -♪ And she'll have fun, fun, fun ♪ ♪ Till her daddy takes the T-bird away ♪ -♪ Fun, fun, fun, till her daddy takes the T-bird away ♪ -♪ Well, the girls can't stand her ♪ ♪ 'Cause she walks, looks and drives like an ace now ♪ -♪ You walk like an ace now, you walk like an ace ♪ -♪ She makes the Indy 500 look like a Roman chariot race now ♪ -♪ You look like an ace now, you look like an ace ♪ ♪ A lot of guys try to catch her ♪ ♪ But she leads them on a wild goose chase now ♪ ♪ And she'll have fun, fun, fun ♪ ♪ Till her daddy takes the T-bird away ♪ -♪ Fun, fun, fun, till her daddy takes the T-bird away ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -♪ Well, you knew all along ♪ ♪ That your dad was getting wise to you now ♪ -♪ You shouldn't have lied now, you shouldn't have lied ♪ -♪ And since he took your set of keys ♪ ♪ You've been thinking that your fun is all through now ♪ -♪ You shouldn't have lied now, you shouldn't have lied ♪ -♪ But you can come along with me ♪ ♪ 'Cause we've got a lot of things to do now ♪ -♪ You shouldn't have lied now, you shouldn't have lied ♪ -♪ And we'll have fun, fun, fun ♪ ♪ Now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ -♪ Fun, fun, fun, now her daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ And we'll have fun, fun, fun ♪ ♪ Now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ -♪ Fun, fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪ Fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-bird away ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -And now, with the fireworks lighting up the sky, maestro Jack Everly is about to lead the National Symphony Orchestra in performing the "1812 Overture."

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cannons firing ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -♪ Mighty Lord God ♪ ♪ Keep us safe from jeopardy ♪ ♪♪ ♪ Take thee now our faith ♪ ♪ And loud cry in penitence ♪ [ Cannons firing ] ♪♪ ♪ Grant our victory ♪ ♪ O'er our enemies so treacherous ♪ ♪ And bring our land a lasting peace ♪ [ Cannons firing ] ♪♪ ♪ Mighty Lord God ♪ ♪ Hear our lowly prayer ♪ ♪ Grant thy shining holy light ♪ [ Cannons firing ] ♪♪ ♪ Grant us, Lord, peace again ♪ ♪ Oh, mighty Lord ♪ ♪ Hear our prayer and save ♪ ♪ Our people forever ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cannons firing ] [ Cheers and applause ] -With a performance of the inspirational "Let Freedom Ring," once again, here is the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.

♪♪ -♪ 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 take the dream and pass it on ♪ ♪ And on and on ♪ ♪ And let freedom sing ♪ ♪ Let freedom ♪ ♪ 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 ♪ ♪ People everywhere, let the freedom ring ♪ ♪ People everywhere, let the 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 ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -This birthday party is still going strong.

To perform some American favorites accompanied by the U.S. Army Herald trumpets and our 56 state and territory flags carried by members of our Armed Forces, here is the U.S. Army band, Pershing's Own.

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] I hope you've enjoyed "A Capitol Fourth" because immediately after we finish tonight's show, there is an encore performance of "A Capitol Fourth" on most PBS stations.

We've got more fireworks and music to come.

And wherever you are watching these amazing fireworks, please join Yolanda Adams singing "God Bless America."

♪♪ ♪♪ -♪ 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 ♪ Now let's all sing together.

-♪ 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 ♪ -♪ God, please bless America ♪ -♪ My home, sweet home ♪ ♪ God bless America ♪ ♪ My home, sweet home ♪ ♪ My home, sweet ♪ ♪ Home ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -I hope you've enjoyed tonight's National Independence Day Celebration as much as I have.

It has been an honor to be your host again this year.

Thank you for joining us.

Happy 4th of July and may God bless America.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -For comments, suggestions and information, visit us at pbs.org/capitolfourth or join the conversation on our social media.

"A Capitol Fourth" is made possible by The Boeing Company.

-This 4th of July, 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... ...and by contributions to your PBS station from viewers like you.

Thank you.

-To believe in America is to believe in possibility.

Possibility worth fighting for.

-The possibility of a different kind of world.

♪♪ America is predicated on an idea.

-Everything that we believe in comes out of the Revolution.

Our ideas of liberty, equality.

It's the defining event of our history.

-The American Revolutionary movement served as a model around the world.

-These are not English liberties.

These are transcendent liberties.

These are liberties that all individuals have by the nature of being human.

-The American Revolution changed the world.

♪♪ -You're watching PBS.