Visions ranged from chilling images of the kind of military event that might occur in Moscow to old photos of the 1970 “Honor America” Independence Day celebration on the National Mall organized by wealthy supporters of Richard Nixon. The 1970 event was aimed at shoring up support for Nixon amid antiwar protests and the fatal shooting that year of four Kent State University students by the Ohio National Guard.
The event instead blossomed into a free-for-all involving furious neo-Nazis and other conservatives and a “smoke-in” by antiwar hippies. (“Before this is over, I may need some of that stuff myself,” quipped master of ceremonies Bob Hope.) Nixon was not on the scene.
Trump on Sunday urged Americans to “HOLD THE DATE” of July 4 for a “Salute To America” celebration featuring a speech by “your favorite President, me!”
HOLD THE DATE! We will be having one of the biggest gatherings in the history of Washington, D.C., on July 4th. It will be called “A Salute To America” and will be held at the Lincoln Memorial. Major fireworks display, entertainment and an address by your favorite President, me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2019
Here’s what popped into people’s minds when they envisioned the president’s gathering:
Exclusive:
Plans for the new ( and totally innovative idea) of a salute to America celebration 1st edition on the 4th of July by Stupident Trump were leaked. pic.twitter.com/0ZUeEr51lH
— ALT- Immigration 🛂 “immi” (@ALT_uscis) February 24, 2019
Great meme ginned up by an enthusiast to keep you from forgetting what is arguably the most obvious federal holiday of the year. On first glance it is hilarious for its sincerity, and gets even better when you notice the star in the flag makes it look like an asterisk #July4th pic.twitter.com/GaABglMvfE
— Scott Nelson (@theLAWofNelson) February 24, 2019
This isn’t going to happen: