Wishes for Rest and Reflection this Independence Day
Wishes for Rest and Reflection this Independence Day
July 2, 2020 - As we prepare for the Independence Day holiday, I wanted to send my good wishes for a chance to rest, recharge and reflect on what freedom and independence mean to each of us, as individuals, communities and as a nation. This year, in particular, I’m thinking about how to put into practice –personally, professionally, and as a member of my community—our founders’ drive to do better tomorrow than we did yesterday.
I want to share a few of the ways we are working to bring these ideals to life and bring the experience of the National Mall to you.
In 2026, we will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As a country, we are hearing overdue calls for true equity and justice as we also collectively deal with a pandemic. As we face these challenges together, it is a reminder to me that America’s founding principles stand, particularly those aimed at maintaining our freedoms of expression and assembly.
At the Trust for the National Mall, we work to protect, enrich, and preserve the central space to exercise those ideals - our First Amendment rights. When we see injustice or feel a deep need to share our beliefs, as Americans, we speak up; we express ourselves, and we march. Which is why I’m eager to share our newest initiative with you: March On - Freedom of Speech on the National Mall. March On has been a new program idea for a few years and feels more timely now. We’re designing an experience to “stand in the footsteps” of the leaders of the most historic moments on the National Mall. This is an opportunity to promote a deeper understanding of the powerful role this special, shared place plays while advancing key aspects of the right to free speech and the right to assemble peacefully, as guaranteed by the First Amendment.
We hope you’ll help build this with us.
We want you to feel the presence of the space and to put yourself where history happened. We’re developing educational material and a chance to take an interactive walk through history as a way to understand our fundamental rights as Americans better. March On will include “virtual spots” to bring this experience to more Americans in their own communities, and in-person when it’s fully opened to come back and visit.
With more than 36 million annual visits--more than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite National Park combined--the National Mall is one of the most visited and most cherished parks in the world. Please join us now by sharing your story and participating in our efforts. Here’s how:
Watch the Fourth of July Fireworks live from the top of the Washington Monument via MonumentCam. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Fourth of July fireworks from the top of the Washington Monument, now’s your chance! It’s a great way to see several of the monuments and memorials, including one of our future restoration projects, Constitution Gardens—and a view of the fireworks you won’t see on TV.
Join the conversation with #MyNationalMallStory: Follow us on Instagram, share photos and stories of your favorite 4th of July celebrations (past and present). Tag us, comment, and we’ll repost throughout July.
Help grow our network. Share this letter with a friend and encourage them to subscribe to our emails and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Donate: Make a recurring donation or honor someone in July with a contribution in their name.
These last few months have been a time of reflection and action—collectively and personally. When I think of the 4th of July, I think of time with family and celebrations and the gratitude I feel for the sacrifices so many have made for our liberties and rights. And I often return to this quote:
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” --Abraham Lincoln.
Wishing you a peaceful, restful Independence Day.
Catherine Townsend, President and CEO