As the region prepares for the 2018 Independence Day celebrations, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall announces plans for its annual observances.

Fort Myer

The Presidential Salute Battery of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), will pay tribute to the nation with a 50-gun salute, one round for each of the 50 states of the union, at noon, July 4, on Whipple Field on the Fort Myer side of the base. Department of Defense ID card holders, their Families, and guests are invited to view this annual tradition. All are advised that Marshall Drive, next to Whipple Field, will be blocked during the ceremony.

Then beginning at 5:05 p.m., Whipple Field will open to all DOD ID card holders, their Families, and guests to view the National Mall fireworks. The fireworks are set to go off at 9 p.m. Be advised that the fireworks may be delayed or cancelled if there is significant weather.

Wright Gate, located at N. Meade Street and Marshall Drive, will close to all vehicular traffic beginning at 1 p.m., July 4, in preparation for the Whipple Field fireworks viewing. Be advised, the gate may close earlier, depending on when Arlington County Police close the two streets outside of Wright Gate.

Pedestrian access and egress will be allowed at Wright Gate until the gate closes at 11 p.m. As a reminder, only DOD-issued ID card holders may enter through Wright Gate. The gate will reopen to vehicular traffic at 5 a.m. July 5.

In addition, to prepare for the arrival of guests for the fireworks viewing, McNair Road, between Lee Avenue and Marshall Drive will close to vehicle traffic beginning at 4:30 p.m.

After the fireworks, vehicles may exit via Hatfield Gate and Henderson Hall Gate 1. Guests are asked to follow the direction of emergency services personnel to exit the base.

Fort McNair

There will not be a Fourth of July festival at Fort McNair this year, however, DOD ID card holders, their Families, and guests may view the National Mall fireworks at Fort McNair from the area along the waterfront between C and E streets.

Access to Fort McNair is through the 2nd Street Gate.

Parking

Parking at Forts Myer and McNair July 4 is in authorized parking spots only. At Fort Myer, that includes the Summerall Field, Regimental, Caisson, Patton Hall, Tri-Services, and Post Exchange parking lots. At Fort McNair, available parking lots include those next to Lincoln Hall, the Fitness Center, the Center of Military History, the post office, the tennis courts, and Roosevelt Hall. Any vehicles parked on grass or dirt fields on either base will be towed at the owner's expense.

Approved and prohibited items

Approved visitor items at JBM-HH include: coolers, food and drink, clear plastic bottles, backpacks, strollers, diaper bags, chairs, blankets, seat cushions, cell phones, cameras (in accordance with JBM-HH photo policy), and service dogs. All items are subject to search.

Prohibited items: weapons (firearms and knives with blades greater than 2.5 inches), grills, fireworks (to include sparklers), alcohol, glass containers, pets, laser pointers, drones, pop-up tents, and running games such as football, baseball, and Frisbee. Additionally, fishing is not allowed at Fort McNair on the Fourth of July.

Arlington County

Arlington County has announced its road closures around the Fort Myer and Henderson Hall portions of JBM-HH as county police prepare for other Fourth of July fireworks viewing sites, to include the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, and Long Bridge Park. This information may be found at https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/traffic-alert-july-4th-road-closures-3/.

For more information, please call (703) 588-2801.