Great American State Fair opens its doors for country's 250th birthday, veterans to be honored

The Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary as a nation, gets into full swing this weekend with Sunday's programming dedicated to American military veterans, their families and the more than 1.2 million service members who have died in military conflicts since 1775.

"There has never been anything like the United States of America, and together we are making it bigger and better and stronger and far more exceptional than ever before," President Trump said Wednesday in a speech kicking off the 16-day event. "We have the strongest military on Earth. ...We have the greatest culture on Earth."

The fairground stretches 11 blocks along the capital city's sprawling and verdant National Mall and runs through July 10 – bringing together U.S. states and territories to showcase the cultures, traditions, food, music and history that make up America.

A 110-foot Ferris wheel serves as the centerpiece of the event, alongside a model of Trump's proposed "triumphal arch" reading “liberty and justice for all.”

Beyond the exhibits and entertainment, the focus is on the people who made this country what it is today. Families, veterans, and tourists from across the nation and around the world will have the opportunity to experience the traditions of every corner of the nation in one place.

Organizers say the state fair, an annual summer tradition in states across the country, will "showcase the very best of America through state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming,” 

Each of the fair's 16 days of operation centers on a theme central to America's history, growth and values, including "Engines of Enterprise" and "Family Life and Community Support Celebrate."  

Yet one of the anticipated days will be this Sunday, when the fair hosts Military Appreciation Day. The day will honor active-duty service members, veterans and military families through special ceremonies, tributes and programming recognizing their service and sacrifice.

Over a million U.S. service members have died spanning across American wars since 1775, paying the ultimate sacrifice to a forever grateful nation.

On July 3rd, A Capitol Fourth: 250th weekend celebration special will air live on public television stations nationwide. The show is set to honor military heroes and their families and the 250 years of service they gave this country.

The event is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST on the west lawn of the Capitol, where country star Trace Adkins will be debuting his new song “American Made,” a tribute to patriotism and the ideals America was founded on. The show will conclude with a fireworks show over George Washington's Mount Vernon.

All eyes are also on the Fourth of July celebration, in which a record-setting 850,000 fireworks will be lit up across 10 different platforms, including the Lincoln Memorial.

For more information on the event, you can visit the Freedom 250 website