Festivities Galore on Fourth of July
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NATIONAL ARCHIVES-- 10 a.m.-9 p.m. At 10 a.m., a presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard, a performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry (the Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps, keynote remarks by U.S. Archivist Allen Weinstein, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by Riley Temple of the Foundation for the National Archives, with reenactors portraying Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Ned Hector. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., meet Franklin, Jefferson, Gen. Bernardo de Galvez and other historical figures, air grievances in a Revolutionary manner with a quill pen, try on a tricorn hat and step up to the podium to declare your independence, get a National Archives temporary tattoo, participate in "Running for Office" exhibit-related and other activities. National Archives, Constitution Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets NW. Free. 202-357-5000.
SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION WREATH-LAYING-- 10 a.m. At the tomb of Elbridge Gerry, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. vice president, governor of Massachusetts and a U.S. representative. Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. Free. 202-543-0539.
SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL-- 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. This year's themes: the Kingdom of Bhutan, the 50th anniversary of NASA, and the music, food and wine of Texas. Events include art exhibits; performances by musicians, dancers and storytellers; and demonstrations by craftspeople. The Mall, between Seventh and 14th streets SW. Free. 202-633-1000 or http:/
CATHEDRAL ORGAN RECITAL-- 11 a.m. Cathedral organists Scott Dettra and Christopher Jacobson perform an all-American program of patriotic, classical and popular music, with a music quiz interspersed. Washington National Cathedral, Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues NW. Free. 202-537-6200.
AMERICAN INDIAN MUSEUM SHORT FILMS-- 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. "I Am Pedro; We Are Mixteco" (2007), about an Oaxacan man who immigrates to the United States and becomes a fruit picker and activist. And "Standing Silent Nation" (2007), about a Lakota family on the Pine Ridge Reservation, S.D., that legally grows hemp but is raided and decimated by armed and armored federal agents. National Museum of the American Indian, Fourth and Independence SW. Free. 202-633-1000.
KENILWORTH AQUATIC GARDENS-- 1 p.m. National Park Service ranger Kate Bucco teaches those 9 and older how to grow aquatic plants in a small yard or shady spot without a pond. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. Free. 202-426-6905.
NAVY MEMORIAL BELL RINGING AND FILM SCREENINGS-- 2 p.m. Thirteen visitors will be invited to strike the bell that honors the 13 original states as part of the annual "Let Freedom Ring" event that is celebrated across the nation at exactly 2 p.m. Screenings: "Hero Ship: USS Constitution," 11 a.m.; "Hero Ship: USS Nautilus," 1 p.m.; "Hero Ship: USS Hornet," 3 p.m., Naval Heritage Center, U.S. Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Free. 202-737-2300.
AIR FORCE BAND CONCERT-- 4 p.m. until dark. Performances by the Concert Band and the Max Impact, Singing Sergeants and Air Force Strings ensembles, with special guests Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. Washington Monument, Independence Avenue and 15th Street NW. Free. 202-767-5658 or 202-619-7222.
AIR FORCE BAND'S SILVER WINGS CONCERT-- 6 p.m. A performance of classic rock, country and blues music. National Air and Space Museum, Gallery 114, Sixth Street and Independence Avenue SW. Free. 202-633-1000.
WASHINGTON MONUMENT GROUNDS-- 6:45 p.m. National Mall and Memorial Parks rangers present vignettes featuring "The Importance of July 4th throughout American history." Washington Monument grounds, Independence Avenue and 15th Street NW. Free. 202-619-7222.
MARINE BARRACKS PARADE-- 8:45 p.m. Marine Silent Drill Platoon and Drum and Bugle Corps in ceremonial uniform, followed by a musical program. Marine Barracks, Eighth and I streets SE. Free, reservations suggested. 202-433-4073.
