Patriotic Reflections

CELEBRITIES REFLECT

A Capitol Fourth is fortunate to have a host of talented and award-winning celebrities participate in each concert. These performers represent an array of artistic styles, genres and experiences.  Every year we ask the gifted group of entertainers on our show to share with us what July 4th means to them.

This year we have a particularly meaningful quote from our host Jimmy Smits, who was first seen on A Capitol Fourth when he presented the National Artistic Achievement Award to Gloria and Emilio Estefan in 2005.

"My parents came here with the hopes that their family would
group up and live the American dream and those dreams have been realized to a large extent. The whole 4th of July/Independence Day for us was an acknowledgement and a thanks--a feeling of gratefulness--that we were a part of this country.”
— Jimmy Smits

"When I first conducted at the West Lawn of the U.S.Capitol many years ago, I turned around, not to conduct the National Symphony Orchestra, but to conduct the huge multitude of people gathered on the Lawn, in the singing of our National Anthem. My heart climbed up in my throat ... I was in such awe of the beauty of the setting. And still today, after conducting the "Star Spangled Banner" on so many occasions, I get that fantastic thrill through my body ... to be the Nation's Conductor at the United States Capitol. I just wish every American could have that opportunity. It is magical."
— Maestro Erich Kunzel

"On the Fourth of July, I often reflect upon the words that
Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are createdequal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. As an American, I feel it is my duty to strive to keep these words alive in our society and the world today."
— Harolyn Blackwell

"Independence Day is an opportunity to share in the timeless
gift of freedom. Although I call New Zealand home, I am honored to share in America's celebration of this landmark holiday and the meaningful significance it holds for its citizens."
— Hayley Westenra

"The 4th of July means Freedom, Family and Fun."
— Yolanda Adams.

“Independence Day means that we should remember the past with respect . the present with gratitude . the future with hope and determination!”
— Hayden Panettiere

"For me, the 4th of July is a day of celebration and acknowledgment of a courageous and brilliant Declaration of independence, intended to be the legacy and birthright for all Americans to come. This nation was born of a search to find and by all means necessary claim a life beyond the oppression of all tyrants for all mankind and for all time.  ‘We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’”
— Michael Bolton

"Elmo likes to watch fireworks with all his friends from Sesame Street! … Elmo loves all the colors – red, white and blue, and Elmo loves marching too."
— Elmo

"The Fourth of July represents freedom. It is a concept that our country is based on and one we should never forget."
—Vanessa Williams

"I grew up in a small New England town; Paul Revere, the battle of Lexington and Concord, the parades, the fireworks, heck, I even played Betsy Ross in my first grade school play. These are the images that remind me of what those before us endured to win us our freedom and to them I'm not only grateful, but protective of what we have now.  Now more than ever, July 4th is a day for all of us to preserve, to protect and to defend now and forever."
— Jo Dee Messina

For me, the 4th of July celebrates this great country of America,  and the gifts we are entitled to,  just by being citizens.  As a young American myself, it is a day to be grateful, give thanks, and celebrate all the freedoms we are blessed with, and to honor and reflect on all the people who have sacrificed themselves, so that we may continue to experience our freedom."
—JoJo

"I feel honored to produce A Capitol Fourth each year. For an hour and a half we unite the country in this celebratory moment where everyone is in a joyous mood. We help them to forget about their differences and to remember that we are all Americans."
— Jerry Colbert, Executive Producer

And from the 2005 recipient of the National Artistic Achievement Award:

"The Fourth of July, to me, is a celebration of all the things that make this country great – independence, freedom from tyranny and all the other wonderful 'freedoms' that we enjoy in this country. It is also a reminder that these freedoms were won after a long, hard battle and must never be taken for granted."
— Gloria Estefan