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Apr 8, 2021 - Politics & Policy

National Park Service cancels Independence Day Parade for second year

Axios
People watch the Independence Day parade as it passes in front of the National Archives in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2019.

People watch the Independence Day parade as it passes in front of the National Archives in Washington DC, on July 4, 2019. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

The National Park Service announced Thursday it was canceling this year's National Independence Day parade because of logistical and planning limitations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The big picture: It's the second year the annual parade has been canceled due to the pandemic.

What they're saying: "The marching units that travel from across the country to participate in the parade have not had the necessary 8 to 18 months to organize, rehearse and fundraise before making the trip, and most are still unable to travel due to COVID-19 concerns," the National Park Service said in a statement.

  • "We are unable to stage a successful event without the excitement and sound provided by these high school bands, drill teams and other youth organizations," it added.
  • "We share everyone’s disappointment in this decision and look forward to presenting this red, white and blue celebration of America’s birthday again on July 4, 2022."
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