Large-Scale Parades Canceled as Heat Wave Disrupts U.S. 250th Anniversary Celebrations

A severe heat wave sweeping across the eastern United States is disrupting celebrations for the nation's 250th anniversary.

According to U.S. media outlets including The Washington Post on July 3 (local time), the 'America's Great Exhibition' currently being held in the heart of Washington, D.C., was forced to close its doors at 5:00 p.m.

The decision was made due to concerns over potential heat-related illnesses as temperatures soared toward 40°C (104°F).

In fact, it was reported that several people at the exhibition site received medical treatment from emergency responders for heat-related conditions.

The exhibition is being held at the National Mall, a large grassy area surrounded by major Washington, D.C. landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

The organizers stated, "The safety and well-being of our visitors, volunteers, and performers are our top priority."

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a large-scale parade was canceled due to the extreme heat.

The event was originally planned to be the largest parade in the country to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.

Philadelphia is a city central to American history, as it is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution was drafted.

Parades that were scheduled to take place in Leesburg, Virginia, and Takoma Park, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., were also canceled.

The cancellations were based on the judgment that marching in such extreme heat would be highly dangerous.

On this day, heat warnings or advisories were issued for regions across the U.S. East and Midwest, affecting 180 million people.

The concern now shifts to July 4, Independence Day.

While large-scale commemorative events are planned around the National Mall, it remains uncertain whether they will proceed without disruption, as the heat wave is forecast to continue through Sunday, July 5.

With hundreds of thousands of people expected to gather for the historic fireworks display and air show, and a speech by President Donald Trump scheduled, high-intensity security screenings are expected to take place.

Because of this, there are growing concerns that many people could suffer from heat-related illnesses while waiting in long lines.

The United States has been preparing grand celebrations to mark its 250th anniversary this year.

President Trump has explicitly signaled his intention to use the event as a political platform, labeling the July 4 celebration a "Trump rally" and aiming to use the occasion for national unity as a political event.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.