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The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, announced this Sunday that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing a broad operation to protect the celebrations of July 4th, when the nation commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The announcement was made by Mullin during an interview on Fox News, where he revealed that the coordination includes local and state police agencies across the country.
"You will see a large security presence. We will be safe. We are going to celebrate, enjoy, and prepare the United States for the next 250 years," stated the secretary.
Mullin also praised President Donald Trump when referring to the magnitude of the celebrations: "No one throws a party like the president."
The main event, called Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks, will take place at the National Mall in Washington D.C., between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, starting at 7:00 p.m.
The program includes the participation of over 300 military musicians, flyovers, and aerial displays, along with a presidential speech by Trump before the fireworks show.
About the fireworks, Mullin was explicit: "We will witness a launch of fireworks that will break the world record. We will see each state represented in the National Mall, highlighting what each contributes and the greatness that the last 250 years have brought to the United States."
The company Pyrotecnico was hired to attempt to set a Guinness record with the show, and attendance of more than one million people is expected at the venue.
The fact that July 4 falls on a Saturday this year anticipates especially high citizen participation and increased mobility across the country.
The Trump administration has turned this anniversary into an event of unprecedented scale under the America250 framework, featuring multiple renovation projects in the federal capital, including the construction of a 250-foot Triumph Arch and the renovation of the East Wing of the White House with private funds.
Mullin, who took over as head of the DHS on March 24 after being confirmed by the Senate with 54 votes in favor and 45 against, emphasized his team's commitment: "While we have a lot of work ahead in the Department, we have the best men and women; we wake up each day thinking about how to improve the protection of our nation."
For the Cuban community residing in the United States, July 4th holds a special significance as a symbol of freedom against authoritarianism, especially in cities like Miami and Tampa, where Independence Day celebrations bring together thousands of families of Cuban descent each year.
The security operation announced this Sunday will be the largest ever deployed for a July 4th celebration in the country’s recent history, on a date that marks the semiquincentennial of the nation.
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