Despite a highly reported effort by Chicago police to curb violence over the Fourth of July weekend, more than 90 people were shot, 14 of them fatally.

Two little girls, aged 6 and 5, and two Chicago police officers who were breaking up a big crowd that had formed on the city's Far West Side were among those shot since Friday.&nbsp;

Bullets have struck six children in total over the weekend.

"We’ve seen too many times tragically someone else was being targeted and the innocent child is struck," Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said during a press conference Monday while checking on the conditions of his officers, a commander and sergeant, who were both wounded by gunfire.&nbsp;

The holiday weekend violence follows increased media and police attention to a problem that has plagued Chicago all year, with the nation's third-largest city on track to have more murders than the 774 recorded in 2020 — Chicago's second deadliest year in the last two decades and more than New York and Los Angeles combined.&nbsp;

The rise in Chicago gun violence has many in the community pointing the finger at the city’s top cop.&nbsp;

Some community activists are demanding Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown's resignation or firing due to the high amount of gun violence in the city.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Despite a highly reported effort by Chicago police to curb violence over the Fourth of July weekend, more than 90 people were shot, 14 of them fatally. Two little girls, aged 6 and 5, and two Chicago police officers who were breaking up a big crowd that had formed on the city's Far West Side were among those shot since Friday.

Despite a highly reported effort by Chicago police to curb violence over the Fourth of July weekend, more than 90 people were shot, 14 of them fatally. Two little girls, aged 6 and 5, and two Chicago police officers who were breaking up a big crowd that had formed on the city's Far West Side were among those shot since Friday. Bullets have struck six children in total over the weekend. "We’ve seen too many times tragically someone else was being targeted and the innocent child is struck," Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said during a press conference Monday while checking on the conditions of his officers, a commander and sergeant, who were both wounded by gunfire. The holiday weekend violence follows increased media and police attention to a problem that has plagued Chicago all year, with the nation's third-largest city on track to have more murders than the 774 recorded in 2020 — Chicago's second deadliest year in the last two decades and more than New York and Los Angeles combined. The rise in Chicago gun violence has many in the community pointing the finger at the city’s top cop. Some community activists are demanding Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown's resignation or firing due to the high amount of gun violence in the city. (With inputs from agencies)

14 killed, more than 90 shot, over 4th of July weekend in Chicago 

Today America celebrates the Fourth of July, which we all know is an American holiday celebrating independence.&nbsp;

However, how many of us know the history behind this federal holiday?

Let's explore the history and the significance of this day.

245 years ago today, the United States (US) was founded. While July 4th was made a federal holiday only in 1941, the tradition actually goes back to 1776.

On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress assembled and decided that the thirteen (13) American colonies are no longer subordinate to the Colonial British rulers and the then British Monarch, King George III.&nbsp;

<img alt="US Declaration of Independence" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a95b758-980d-4ca1-a215-77296a404631" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-07-04T175537.486.jpg" />

<h5>US Declaration of Independence/Photo Source(Twitter)</h5>

So, they voted in favour of independence and on 4th July 1776, delegates from the thirteen colonies came together to sign the historic 'Declaration of Independence'.

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, this document was the first step towards the formation of the country we know today as the United States of America.&nbsp;

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Made popular by&nbsp; Abraham Lincoln who used these words in his Gettysburg Address of 1863, these words from the declaration have come to represent the ethos of human rights.

While over the years political independence of this day has somewhat diminished, it remains a day of family celebrations and get-togethers.&nbsp;

America celebrates this day with fireworks, feasts, parades, barbecues, carnivals, political speeches, and ceremonies, all celebrating the nation's history, its government, and its traditions.&nbsp;

Fireworks

All those who are&nbsp;are not American citizens have watched countless movies, television series that show&nbsp;the USA's fascination with fireworks, especially when it comes to Fourth of July celebrations.

<img alt="Firework Display (File Photo)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e77e815-2006-45bc-93e5-601ddd23c256" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-07-04T174935.449.jpg" />

<h5>Firework Display (File Photo)</h5>

But do you know, who started this tradition?

In 1777, Philadelphia held the first organised celebration of Independence day. On that day, Philadelphia had a Ship’s cannon fire a 13-gun salute honouring the 13 colonies. The next day, a newspaper called 'The&nbsp;Pennsylvania Evening Post',&nbsp;described it as a grand exhibition of fireworks, and a tradition was born.&nbsp;

Macy's Firework display

Every year New York has one of the most famous firework displays in the country. Known as the Macy&nbsp;fireworks display it is usually held over the&nbsp;East River&nbsp;in New York City.

Last year due to the pandemic this gorgeous display was altered.&nbsp;To discourage large gatherings, the exact time and location of the displays weren't announced in advance. Instead, the five boroughs of New York City each had a short 5-minute televised displays.&nbsp;

But this year this iconic display is back. According to Macy's website, the 45th annual firework display will be televised live on NBC between the hours of 8 pm-10 pm local time

Today America celebrates the Fourth of July, which we all know is an American holiday celebrating independence. However, how many of us know the history behind this federal holiday?

Today America celebrates the Fourth of July, which we all know is an American holiday celebrating independence. However, how many of us know the history behind this federal holiday? Let's explore the history and the significance of this day. 245 years ago today, the United States (US) was founded. While July 4th was made a federal holiday only in 1941, the tradition actually goes back to 1776. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress assembled and decided that the thirteen (13) American colonies are no longer subordinate to the Colonial British rulers and the then British Monarch, King George III. US Declaration of Independence/Photo Source(Twitter) So, they voted in favour of independence and on 4th July 1776, delegates from the thirteen colonies came together to sign the historic 'Declaration of Independence'. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, this document was the first step towards the formation of the country we know today as the United States of America. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Made popular by Abraham Lincoln who used these words in his Gettysburg Address of 1863, these words from the declaration have come to represent the ethos of human rights. While over the years political independence of this day has somewhat diminished, it remains a day of family celebrations and get-togethers. America celebrates this day with fireworks, feasts, parades, barbecues, carnivals, political speeches, and ceremonies, all celebrating the nation's history, its government, and its traditions. Fireworks All those who are are not American citizens have watched countless movies, television series that show the USA's fascination with fireworks, especially when it comes to Fourth of July celebrations. Firework Display (File Photo) But do you know, who started this tradition? In 1777, Philadelphia held the first organised celebration of Independence day. On that day, Philadelphia had a Ship’s cannon fire a 13-gun salute honouring the 13 colonies. The next day, a newspaper called 'The Pennsylvania Evening Post', described it as a grand exhibition of fireworks, and a tradition was born. Macy's Firework display Every year New York has one of the most famous firework displays in the country. Known as the Macy fireworks display it is usually held over the East River in New York City. Last year due to the pandemic this gorgeous display was altered. To discourage large gatherings, the exact time and location of the displays weren't announced in advance. Instead, the five boroughs of New York City each had a short 5-minute televised displays. But this year this iconic display is back. According to Macy's website, the 45th annual firework display will be televised live on NBC between the hours of 8 pm-10 pm local time

Explainer: Why Fourth of July is a big thing in USA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated US President Donald Trump and the people of the United States on the country's 244th Independence Day.

"I congratulate US President Donald Trump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA," PM Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

"As the world's largest democracies, we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I congratulate <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA. As the world's largest democracies, we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates. <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1279411490022322176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Independence Day is annually celebrated in the United States on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July".&nbsp;

This year the day is marred by a couple of factors -- the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, the Black Lives Matter movement, and Trump's Mt Rushmore speech.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-coronavirus-and-blm-movement-us-faces-a-grim-july-4-weekend-310752">Also read |&nbsp;With coronavirus and BLM movement, US faces a grim July 4 weekend</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated US President Donald Trump and the people of the United States on the country's 244th Independence Day. "I congratulate US President Donald Trump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA," PM Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated US President Donald Trump and the people of the United States on the country's 244th Independence Day. "I congratulate US President Donald Trump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA," PM Modi tweeted. "As the world's largest democracies, we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates." I congratulate @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA. As the world's largest democracies, we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates. @WhiteHouse — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2020 × Independence Day is annually celebrated in the United States on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July". This year the day is marred by a couple of factors -- the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, the Black Lives Matter movement, and Trump's Mt Rushmore speech. Also read | With coronavirus and BLM movement, US faces a grim July 4 weekend

PM Modi wishes Donald Trump on US Independence Day

A normal July 4 weekend in the United States would be one that of pomp and show -- with popular beaches packed. But summer 2020 has not been all that kind to the US -- as with the rising number of coronavirus cases, there's the Black Lives Matter movement that has taken over the nation.

An angry speech from President Donald Trump marking US' Independence Day hasn't quite helped matters.

The US coronavirus death toll is fast approaching 1,30,000, roughly one-quarter the world's total, even as many European countries are edging back toward normality.

Social distancing is the need of the hour, and this need is science-based.

To this end, across the country, Main Street parades have been cancelled, boisterous backyard barbecues scaled down, and family reunions&nbsp;put off amid worries about air travel and concerns about spreading the virus.&nbsp;

Some events will be held virtually, as states and cities grapple with a new surge in the coronavirus, using a mix of admonitions and prohibitions.&nbsp;Miami Beach, for one, has imposed a weekend curfew and made it mandatory to wear a mask in public.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-decides-to-go-big-for-july-4-amid-rising-coronavirus-cases-310726">Also read |&nbsp;Trump decides to 'go big' for July 4 amid rising coronavirus cases</a>

Fireworks displays are typically a high point of the holiday, with crowds of thousands gathering to ooh and aah, but an estimated 80 percent of the events have been cancelled this year.&nbsp;

What has cast a particularly darker cast on the celebrations is Trump's speech in South Dakota.

While presidents' July 4 speeches traditionally are uplifting affairs that emphasise patriotism and national unity, Trump's speech angrily lashed out at the protests that have erupted since the death at police hands of George Floyd.

Trump denounced "violent mayhem" on US streets, though most demonstrations have been peaceful, and accused protesters of waging "a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children."

In his Mount Rushmore speech, Trump made little mention of the pandemic that has hit his re-election hopes, even as COVID-19 moved further into Trump’s inner circle. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a senior campaign official and the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr., tested positive in South Dakota before the event.

It's assumed the guile in the speech came from the fact that Trump faces a tough re-election battle in November and is eager to mobilise his political base. But his presumptive&nbsp;opponent in the fall, Democrat Joe Biden, has struck a sharply different tone on the country's raw racial tensions. He tweeted on Saturday: "Our nation was founded on a simple idea: We're all created equal. We've never lived up to it — but we've never stopped trying. This Independence Day, let's not just celebrate those words, let's commit to finally fulfill them."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-left-wing-cultural-revolution-rails-against-removal-of-statues-at-mount-rushmore-310621">Also read |&nbsp;Trump blasts 'left wing cultural revolution'; rails against removal of statues at Mount Rushmore</a>

A large protest, planned for Sunday, is expected to include a George Floyd memorial March beginning at the Lincoln Memorial; a Black Out March at the US Capitol; and a Black Lives Matter protest at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

All the protests -- in theory -- should be over before the night's celebration on the Mall.

Trump, fresh from his appearance Friday before the monumental sculpture of four presidents on Mount Rushmore, plans to be on the Mall for a "Salute to America" complete with military music and flyovers.

Public health officials have hence been bracing for a new spike in virus cases after this grim weekend's celebrations and protests.

(with inputs from agencies)

A normal July 4 weekend in the United States would be one that of pomp and show -- with popular beaches packed. But summer 2020 has not been all that kind to the US -- as with the rising number of coronavirus cases, there's the Black Lives Matter movement that has taken over the nation.

A normal July 4 weekend in the United States would be one that of pomp and show -- with popular beaches packed. But summer 2020 has not been all that kind to the US -- as with the rising number of coronavirus cases, there's the Black Lives Matter movement that has taken over the nation. An angry speech from President Donald Trump marking US' Independence Day hasn't quite helped matters. The US coronavirus death toll is fast approaching 1,30,000, roughly one-quarter the world's total, even as many European countries are edging back toward normality. Social distancing is the need of the hour, and this need is science-based. To this end, across the country, Main Street parades have been cancelled, boisterous backyard barbecues scaled down, and family reunions put off amid worries about air travel and concerns about spreading the virus. Some events will be held virtually, as states and cities grapple with a new surge in the coronavirus, using a mix of admonitions and prohibitions. Miami Beach, for one, has imposed a weekend curfew and made it mandatory to wear a mask in public. Also read | Trump decides to 'go big' for July 4 amid rising coronavirus cases Fireworks displays are typically a high point of the holiday, with crowds of thousands gathering to ooh and aah, but an estimated 80 percent of the events have been cancelled this year. What has cast a particularly darker cast on the celebrations is Trump's speech in South Dakota. While presidents' July 4 speeches traditionally are uplifting affairs that emphasise patriotism and national unity, Trump's speech angrily lashed out at the protests that have erupted since the death at police hands of George Floyd. Trump denounced "violent mayhem" on US streets, though most demonstrations have been peaceful, and accused protesters of waging "a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children." In his Mount Rushmore speech, Trump made little mention of the pandemic that has hit his re-election hopes, even as COVID-19 moved further into Trump’s inner circle. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a senior campaign official and the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr., tested positive in South Dakota before the event. It's assumed the guile in the speech came from the fact that Trump faces a tough re-election battle in November and is eager to mobilise his political base. But his presumptive opponent in the fall, Democrat Joe Biden, has struck a sharply different tone on the country's raw racial tensions. He tweeted on Saturday: "Our nation was founded on a simple idea: We're all created equal. We've never lived up to it — but we've never stopped trying. This Independence Day, let's not just celebrate those words, let's commit to finally fulfill them." Also read | Trump blasts 'left wing cultural revolution'; rails against removal of statues at Mount Rushmore A large protest, planned for Sunday, is expected to include a George Floyd memorial March beginning at the Lincoln Memorial; a Black Out March at the US Capitol; and a Black Lives Matter protest at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. All the protests -- in theory -- should be over before the night's celebration on the Mall. Trump, fresh from his appearance Friday before the monumental sculpture of four presidents on Mount Rushmore, plans to be on the Mall for a "Salute to America" complete with military music and flyovers. Public health officials have hence been bracing for a new spike in virus cases after this grim weekend's celebrations and protests. (with inputs from agencies)

With coronavirus and BLM movement, US faces a grim July 4 weekend

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amash-becomes-first-republican-lawmaker-to-call-for-trump-impeachment-219754">US Representative Justin Amash</a>, the first Republican in Congress to say President Donald Trump committed an impeachable offence, quit the Republican Party on Thursday with a blistering attack on politics that puts party over principle.

The Congressman from Michigan, who drew a barrage of criticism from fellow Republicans after he laid out a case for Trump's impeachment, said he has become disenchanted with a political system that is "trapped in a partisan death spiral."

"The two-party system has evolved into an existential threat to American principles and institutions," he wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece published on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/salute-to-america-trump-praises-us-military-in-july-4-speech-233094">US Independence Day holiday</a>.

"Instead of acting as an independent branch of government and serving as a check on the executive branch, congressional leaders of both parties expect the House and Senate to act in obedience or opposition to the president and their colleagues on a partisan basis," Amash wrote.

A member of Congress since 2011, Amash, 39, made some high-profile decisions in recent months that chronicled his growing disdain for Trump and subsequent drift from the party.

It was his decision to speak out on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian activities during the 2016 presidential election that drew the president's fury - and a prompt Republican primary challenge.

Amash said in May that the Mueller report showed Trump had obstructed justice, bucking his party and joining Democrats in castigating the president for his actions. "President Trump has engaged in impeachable conduct," he said.

Amash’s comments on the Mueller report echoed the conclusions of many Democrats, but Democrats are divided about impeachment. Most Republicans are still standing by the president at a time of economic growth, turbulent markets and global trade tensions.

Trump quickly returned fire by calling Amash a lightweight and a loser. Soon after, Jim Lower, a Michigan state legislator who described himself as "pro-Trump," said he would challenge Amash in the 2020 congressional race in Michigan, a state Trump won in 2016.

The president welcomed Amash's news with an acrimonious personal attack on Twitter that also referenced Amash's primary challenge. "Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest &amp; most disloyal men in Congress is 'quitting' the Party," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest &amp; most disloyal men in Congress is “quitting” the Party. No Collusion, No Obstruction! Knew he couldn’t get the nomination to run again in the Great State of Michigan. Already being challenged for his seat. A total loser!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1146766931573301248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Amash has signalled he would consider running as a libertarian against Trump in 2020, but he made no mention of that Thursday. Amash's office did not return calls for comment.

The leading Democrat to challenge Trump in 2020, former US Vice President Joe Biden, was asked about Amash's departure while campaigning in Iowa. "Where there's faith, there's hope," he quipped.

In his opinion piece, Amash said he believed that most Americans are not rigidly partisan and do not feel well represented by either party.

In February, he became the lone Republican to co-sponsor a resolution in the US House of Representatives to reject the emergency Trump declared at the US-Mexico border to build a wall there, in a stinging reprimand to the president.

Last month, Amash left the conservative House Freedom Caucus he helped found, whose members usually defend Trump. A libertarian who has targeted government overspending, his July Fourth announcement cast a wide invitation.

"No matter your circumstance, I’m asking you to join me in rejecting the partisan loyalties and rhetoric that divide and dehumanize us," Amash said. "If we continue to take America for granted, we will lose it."

US Representative Justin Amash, the first Republican in Congress to say President Donald Trump committed an impeachable offence, quit the Republican Party on Thursday with a blistering attack on politics that puts party over principle.

US Representative Justin Amash, the first Republican in Congress to say President Donald Trump committed an impeachable offence, quit the Republican Party on Thursday with a blistering attack on politics that puts party over principle. The Congressman from Michigan, who drew a barrage of criticism from fellow Republicans after he laid out a case for Trump's impeachment, said he has become disenchanted with a political system that is "trapped in a partisan death spiral." "The two-party system has evolved into an existential threat to American principles and institutions," he wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece published on the US Independence Day holiday. "Instead of acting as an independent branch of government and serving as a check on the executive branch, congressional leaders of both parties expect the House and Senate to act in obedience or opposition to the president and their colleagues on a partisan basis," Amash wrote. A member of Congress since 2011, Amash, 39, made some high-profile decisions in recent months that chronicled his growing disdain for Trump and subsequent drift from the party. It was his decision to speak out on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian activities during the 2016 presidential election that drew the president's fury - and a prompt Republican primary challenge. Amash said in May that the Mueller report showed Trump had obstructed justice, bucking his party and joining Democrats in castigating the president for his actions. "President Trump has engaged in impeachable conduct," he said. Amash’s comments on the Mueller report echoed the conclusions of many Democrats, but Democrats are divided about impeachment. Most Republicans are still standing by the president at a time of economic growth, turbulent markets and global trade tensions. Trump quickly returned fire by calling Amash a lightweight and a loser. Soon after, Jim Lower, a Michigan state legislator who described himself as "pro-Trump," said he would challenge Amash in the 2020 congressional race in Michigan, a state Trump won in 2016. The president welcomed Amash's news with an acrimonious personal attack on Twitter that also referenced Amash's primary challenge. "Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest & most disloyal men in Congress is 'quitting' the Party," he said. Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest & most disloyal men in Congress is “quitting” the Party. No Collusion, No Obstruction! Knew he couldn’t get the nomination to run again in the Great State of Michigan. Already being challenged for his seat. A total loser! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2019 × Amash has signalled he would consider running as a libertarian against Trump in 2020, but he made no mention of that Thursday. Amash's office did not return calls for comment. The leading Democrat to challenge Trump in 2020, former US Vice President Joe Biden, was asked about Amash's departure while campaigning in Iowa. "Where there's faith, there's hope," he quipped. In his opinion piece, Amash said he believed that most Americans are not rigidly partisan and do not feel well represented by either party. In February, he became the lone Republican to co-sponsor a resolution in the US House of Representatives to reject the emergency Trump declared at the US-Mexico border to build a wall there, in a stinging reprimand to the president. Last month, Amash left the conservative House Freedom Caucus he helped found, whose members usually defend Trump. A libertarian who has targeted government overspending, his July Fourth announcement cast a wide invitation. "No matter your circumstance, I’m asking you to join me in rejecting the partisan loyalties and rhetoric that divide and dehumanize us," Amash said. "If we continue to take America for granted, we will lose it."

Justin Amash quits Republican party, Trump calls him 'dumb and disloyal'

John Adams predicted in a 1776 letter that the nation would mark the anniversary of its independence as “the most memorable Epocha in the History of America,” hosting a great anniversary festival that ought to be “solemnized” forever after with “Pomp and Parade … Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”

Why July 4th Celebration in US Is Political

US President Donald Trump's promise of hosting military tanks, along with an incredible flyovers and the "biggest ever Fireworks," for this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4th-july-celebrations-battle-tanks-arrive-in-washington-trump-promises-incredible-flyovers-biggest-ever-fireworks-232578">Fourth of July celebrations</a> at the National Mall in Washington has evoked strong reactions.

Many government authorities and bodies are finding it difficult to calm the concerns raised after Trump's tweet.

"Big 4th of July in D.C. “Salute to America.” The Pentagon &amp; our great Military Leaders are thrilled to be doing this &amp; showing to the American people, among other things, the strongest and most advanced Military anywhere in the World. Incredible Flyovers &amp; biggest ever Fireworks!" the US President said on Twitter.

But the District of Columbia's City Council says "Tanks, but no tanks" and complains that Trump is politicising what traditionally has been a non-partisan celebration.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We have said it before, and we’ll say it again: Tanks, but no tanks. (PS: The <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofDefense</a> agrees, see highlighted area below) <a href="https://t.co/ock2EORKNz">pic.twitter.com/ock2EORKNz</a>
— Council of DC (@councilofdc) <a href="https://twitter.com/councilofdc/status/1145674887845036032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The District of Columbia government previously had complained about damage that tanks would do to city streets and reissued its complaint on Monday after The Washington Post reported on Trump's plan to station military tanks in the city.

The Post, in its report said the Pentagon is still grappling with how to move 60-ton tanks to the National Mall, the area where Lincoln Memorial is situated. THe leading US daily quoted Pentagon spokesman Major Christian Mitchell as saying that the movement of the tanks will be carried out in a way to protect the streets in the district, but the exact location to place them is still under consideration.

Trump had wanted a military parade of tanks and other equipment in Washington after he watched a military parade on Bastille Day in Paris in 2017. That plan eventually was scuttled, partly because of cost, though Trump apparently held on to the idea. Local officials objected at that time, too.

Thursday's events are also expected to include military flyovers by the US Navy's Blue Angels, F-22 fighter jets and possibly other military aircraft.

The annual fireworks display will be held near the Lincoln Memorial instead of its usual location by the Washington Monument.

A ticket-only area in front of the memorial is being set aside for VIPs, including members of Trump's family, friends and members of the military, the White House said.

The Republican National Committee is distributing a "small number" of tickets to the event, which it says is standard practice and follows what the Democratic National Committee did under Democratic presidents.

Members of Congress, local officials and others have voiced concerns that Trump could alter the tone of what traditionally is a nonpartisan celebration of America's independence from the British by delivering a political speech.

US President Donald Trump's promise of hosting military tanks, along with an incredible flyovers and the "biggest ever Fireworks," for this year's Fourth of July celebrations at the National Mall in Washington has evoked strong reactions.

US President Donald Trump's promise of hosting military tanks, along with an incredible flyovers and the "biggest ever Fireworks," for this year's Fourth of July celebrations at the National Mall in Washington has evoked strong reactions. Many government authorities and bodies are finding it difficult to calm the concerns raised after Trump's tweet. "Big 4th of July in D.C. “Salute to America.” The Pentagon & our great Military Leaders are thrilled to be doing this & showing to the American people, among other things, the strongest and most advanced Military anywhere in the World. Incredible Flyovers & biggest ever Fireworks!" the US President said on Twitter. But the District of Columbia's City Council says "Tanks, but no tanks" and complains that Trump is politicising what traditionally has been a non-partisan celebration. We have said it before, and we’ll say it again: Tanks, but no tanks. (PS: The @DeptofDefense agrees, see highlighted area below) pic.twitter.com/ock2EORKNz — Council of DC (@councilofdc) July 1, 2019 × The District of Columbia government previously had complained about damage that tanks would do to city streets and reissued its complaint on Monday after The Washington Post reported on Trump's plan to station military tanks in the city. The Post, in its report said the Pentagon is still grappling with how to move 60-ton tanks to the National Mall, the area where Lincoln Memorial is situated. THe leading US daily quoted Pentagon spokesman Major Christian Mitchell as saying that the movement of the tanks will be carried out in a way to protect the streets in the district, but the exact location to place them is still under consideration. Trump had wanted a military parade of tanks and other equipment in Washington after he watched a military parade on Bastille Day in Paris in 2017. That plan eventually was scuttled, partly because of cost, though Trump apparently held on to the idea. Local officials objected at that time, too. Thursday's events are also expected to include military flyovers by the US Navy's Blue Angels, F-22 fighter jets and possibly other military aircraft. The annual fireworks display will be held near the Lincoln Memorial instead of its usual location by the Washington Monument. A ticket-only area in front of the memorial is being set aside for VIPs, including members of Trump's family, friends and members of the military, the White House said. The Republican National Committee is distributing a "small number" of tickets to the event, which it says is standard practice and follows what the Democratic National Committee did under Democratic presidents. Members of Congress, local officials and others have voiced concerns that Trump could alter the tone of what traditionally is a nonpartisan celebration of America's independence from the British by delivering a political speech.

'Tanks, but no tanks': Angry DC City Council on Trump's July 4 celebration plan