last video ever shot of michael jackson. we'll show it to you ahead this hour. 4th of july is always a big day on metro. so how does the transit agency plan on doing it two weeks after the deadliest crash. we'll have an update coming up. then want to avoid the crowds but don't want to miss the outing on the capital 4th celebration. we're live with all of the details as fox 5 morning news continues right now. 7:00 right now. there is the u.s. capital, going to be a very busy place over the next couple of days. they are getting ready for some rehearsal. barry man illo will be there. good morning, thanks for joining us on this july 3rd. this is for many a holiday. >> it is. a lot of people have a chance to be off today. so hopefully you have some nice weather for it and that's tucker barnes departme . e er wheatwill cooperate. we have a mix heof sun and clou out there. a think moth nature will cooperate this year so we'll it. the ere is alook at your morni satellite picture. clere will be a mix of sun and ouds. ocldso ouff tthe rtffanh d west at this hour. and just a couple of spotty showers and a fewfo tse - - we could see an isolated shor or thunderstorm later today but most of us will remain dry for our lead up to the 4th of july weekend. let's talk temperature. and they're comfortable at this hour. we're now at 66 degrees at reagan national. humidity is 65%. winds out the of the -- out of the west at 6 miles per hour. partly cloudy. had to put a chance for an isolated shower or thunderstorm in there, but again i think most of us will be dry. 82 degrees for an noon high. so very comfortable around here. i'll be back with details on the weekend forecast. let's get to allison oakley in with the on-time traffic. and it's the holiday for a lot of people. specially federal workers. the h.o.v. restrictions have been lifted on the dulles toll road and 95. in virginia you are going to see that lighter volume and plenty of pavement because your h.o.v. restricts are lifted. great look on the bay bridge. it looks good there at the toll plaza. no problems on 66 in virginia. you can see how light the volume is. if you are heading into work today, as i mentioned the restrictions are lifted. at the springfield interchange, once again restrctions lifted and southbound no problems out of springfield, fredericksberg, richmond and connecting up to 64 and headed to the beaches, like virginia beach, it looks great. no incidents reporting right now. allison and steve, back to you. a tribute fit for a king. a massive public memorial for michael jackson is a done deal. it will take place on tuesday at the staples center in los angeles and it's celebrating -- or tieaigcr bng time problems for local police. matt acland is here with the latest surrounding the death of michael jackson. matt, good morning. >> hey, allison. good morning. we're expected to learn more about the tribute during a press release that will take place around 10:00 here. we're told tickets will be handed out. but what happens to those who don't get tickets. police will have their hands full with crowd control. >> a tribute for michael jackson is set to take place on tuesday at the los angeles staples center. 11,000 tickets will be made available to the general public. a registration of some sort will be held to award those tickets. but hundreds of thousands of fans could show up any way. meaning it could be a logistical nightmare. >> it goes to create traffic. but it's worth it, to be able to conveniently come and pay homage to him. >> reporter: a short video clip of him rehearsing two days before death was released on thursday. according to the promotor, it's part of more than 100 hours of footage at could be turned into live albums, a movie and even a pay-per-view special. great news for jackson fans, including the president of the united states. >> i think that michael jackson will go down in history as one of our greatest entertainers. i grew up on his music. still have all of his stuff on my ipod. >> reporter: authorities are not certain what led to the pop singer's death but drugs are suspected. one of michael jackson's friends is speaking out. >> i tried in the minutes and times that i was with him, to run some sense into his brain and i told him, and i'm telling you, i told him, mike, you're going to die. and michael, you're going to kill yourself. >> once again a press conference has been scheduled in los angeles at 1:00 today. we'll have details when it happens. and only 11,000 tickets, so you can imagine that will be many more people that want to see that. >> no doubt. >> thank you. an associated press firefighter was given accs to his former neverland ranch home. he bought the property back in 1988. three years ago it was valued at $33 million but financial problems forced him into a joint venture to sell that and they now own half of never land. the future of the estate is up in the air. some of them have expressed interest in turning it into a grass -- a grace land style attraction to be open to the public. and a preview of some of the sounds to hear downtown at the mall. barry man illo, aretha franklin and natasha beningfield are just a few of those headlining. and how to see those without fighting the huge crowds tomorrow. >> reporter: a lot of people come out the day before to catch a great performance without the crowds. that stage behind me, barry man illo shows up at 11:00 or catch the muppets this afternoon. it's a great way to see the show without the crowds. ♪ >> it's one of the best-kept secrets in d.c. >> hopefully we avoid a lot of crowds. because i'm not into crowds. [ music ] >> the show before the show, on the capital grounds, celebrating the 4th of july. >> what are you going to see tonight? >> stars. >> this year there is a full line of talent scheduled to perform at the capital 4th talent, including broadway's the jersey boys. precipitations -- preparations and rehearsals are in full swing. for one family, it's a thrill to celebrate america's birthday this year. >> 4th of july means to us freedom for the whole world. >> one woman and her 11 mold -- 11-month-old are taking in the sights and sounds. >> i've never been to the concert because there was so many people. >> reporter: it looks like baby dillan couldn't be more excited to see the first concert. and d.c. hotels are putting their best face forward for the big event. at the willard intercontinental, even the pastry chef is feeling the holiday spirit. >> this is our special 4th of july amenities with our white chocolate capital dome filled with chocolate covered cherries. >> celebrating the birth a few days early, but with all of the pomp and circumstance celebrating b ( birds chirping ) ( buzzer buzzing ) ♪ ♪ mmm! ( giggles ) ♪ and i would do anything ♪ ♪ for love ♪ and i always doooo thisssss ♪ a.1. makes meat loaf sing. you can too at singforyourbeef.com they are allowed to go to your house. robby chavez, fox 5 news. so if they are not relying on background checks, how does the department find out about any criminal charges? >> we posted robby's entire interview with chief reuben on my fox.com. click on local news. the time right now 7:21. coming up tiger woods. end to be greedy and win his own tournament. how is he doing? >> and what better place to celebrate the 4th of july than george washington home? we are checking in with holly live at rihtoisc mt. vernon this morning, so stay with us. fox 5 news will continue, after this. the art of getting dirty. the art of getting clean. new powerfully formulated wisk®... is better on tough mud stains than tide total care. wisk®. powerfully clean. perfectly priced. a judge will decide the fate of a dc mother accused of killing her four daughters and living with their s ieod for months. yesterday a dc superior court judge accepted a jury trial waiver. despite objections from her own attorneys, the decomposing bodies of jacks's four daughters were found in a southeast row house back in january of 2008. her trial begins a week from monday. there are new details in the case of a maryland mother accused of killing her adopted daughters and hiding their bodies in a freezer. detectives said a surviving sister told them their mother locked them in a room, forced them to go to the bathroom if a bucket and beat and choked them. police believe the girls were killed in 2006. three children missing from northeast dc back home safe this morning as flyers were handed out yesterday. a missing four-year-old, two-year-old and five-month-old live. police found them in northwest dc with a family member whowas babysitting them. time right now is 7:26 on this fridamorning. u.s. marines continue their massive assault on the taliban in afghanistan. coming up, we are going to talk with someone just back from the region. also starting today for two days only a special 9/11 tribute will be in our area. we'll tell you what it is and how you can make a permanent mark on the memorial. president obama seems a little nervous about his 4th of july plans. what they entail, iewhen we com back. h, fresh, fresh. really fresh! come into your local giant today for mouthwatering fruits and vegetables, all at prices you can handle. like whole seedless watermelon, just $3.88 each. only at giant. steak, chickenribs, and burgers on the grill. at giant, you'll find fresh, delicious quality meats at prices that sizzle -- like super g split chicken breast, just 99 cents a pound. only at giant. and replace your old mayo with the full flavor of aft mayo with olive oil. made with the rich, delicious taste of imported olive oil. kraft mayo with olive oil is the new standard in mayo. >> 7:30 right now. a public memorial has now been set for michael jackson. it will be held tuesday at the staples center in los angeles. some 11,000 free tickets will be available. detowels on how to get them will be in a news conference. debra rowe won a delay in a custody hearing but has not decided if she wants to seek permanent cuffed of her kids. just in time for the holiday weekend, red line trains returning to the top of their speeds. the only exception is the area near last week's crash site. the metro will be using eight car trains throughout the holidays. want to hang out with aretha franklin today or barry manilow? they are a couple of people gracing the stage for the capital fourth. manilow's rehearsal is at 11:00 this morning and the full dress rehearsal set for tonight and it is free at the capital. president obama is always cool, calm and collected, apparently but he appears to be nervous about his 4th of july. >> the first family invited more than 20 between girls to camp david to celebrate mayly's birthday tomorrow. the president said there will be 24 double x chromosomes up in camp david as we speak. >> the president will join the girls today and tomorrow the group will return to washington in tomorrow to host a barbecue. to wash the fireworks on the national mall. can you imagine going mom, dad, can i go to camp david for the weekend? yes you can, honey. that is cool. so good looking went, right? >> generally speaking it should be great. we are going to have a couple of possibilities for shower or thunderstorm activity. one will be later this afternoon. it is isolated possibilities today. a little bit of a better chance today. best chance will be sunday. but i want to start with the beach forecast. camp david weather should be great. the kids for the birthday. the beach forecast, now there we go. i know it looks worse than it is really going to be. the best chance will be sunday. both friday and saturday things should be pretty quiet. we should have a lot of sunshine and temperatures today headed to ocean city about 80. mid-80s and again best chance for any shower activity along the beaches here next couple of days will be on sunday. a nice looking forecast over the next couple of days. a great looking holiday weekend. let's get started with temperatures. 66 degrees at reagan national. 63 right now in baltimore. fredericksburg is 64 at this hour. temperatures will rebound nicely back into the low 80s today. comfortable, humidity will stay in check for another day. this is a nice weather pattern wehave had around hereful here's washington. again waking up with cloud cover. toward montgomery county and howard county it will be a nice day. a few showers off to the north and west. pittsburgh with showers. finally this area of low pressure that has been sitting across the great lakes you can see it there pushing off to the north and east. as it drags the energy with it our weather conditions will quiet down. that is a 10 or 20% chance of scattered showers later today. should be a nice looking weekend if you have outdoor plans of the mix of sun and clouds. ice laid afternoon thunderstorms are a possibility. high temperature comfortable, 82 degrees out of the west here at 5 to 10. partly cloudy comfortable temperatures. overnight lows 65 degrees with winds continuing out of the west. tomorrow sunshine for the most part during the afternoon we could see an edisatol shower or thunderstorm. high tell in the middle 80s. better chance for a shower or thunderstorm as the storm passes to the south. monday and tuesday temperatures in the low 80s. that is very unusual as you probably know for this time of year. let's get to on time traffic. >> reporter: good morning to you. things are looking very, very quiet right now. not only do you get the good weather but the great commute to go with it. better news for you guys traveling along the beltway right along the area of 66. the cars had been pulled over for the shoulder. this is a ride across the bay bridge. looks fantastic. absolutely no delays. they were setting up to traffic on the westbound side. the west lane was blocked there for a little bit. these are the two cars i was talking about the loop and the beltway on 66 again they are on the shoulder traffic is moving along well. 66, 35 as well as the dulles toll road all without hov restrictions today. the delays are already stacked upright now through springfield they are running fine and your hov lanes are facing northbnd. a check of your fox 5 on time traffic, steve back o you. today u.s. marines continue their massive assault against the taliban strong hold in afghanistan. the goal is to get troopfar into enemy lines and push them out. she just returned from an 8 day trip to afghanistan. less sa, thanks for joining us this morning. >> reporter: thanks for having me. >> you just got back a couple of days ago give us a sense of what is feelings were. >> reporter: i think there is a sense that the international community is really comi together and starting to harmonize their efforts. there are many organizations in afghanistan. you have got nato, the un, the u.s., there is a sense that with the new obama strategy focusing on a comprehensive integrated strategy, protecting the population rather than chasing down insurgents, that there is a new strategy in place that everybody is getting behind. so i think there is a sense of confidence and optimism that with these 17,000 new troops coming in to southern afghanistan, which is of course where most of the insurgency is occurring right now, that there is a chance we can begin to shift the momentum, even as early as this fall. >> this is the first offensive we have seen under the obama administration. why do this now? any special reason for the timing? >> i think there is a lot of reasons. one of the main reasons is we have anelection coming up. the elections are on august 20, only six weeks away. so the idea is to deploy troops into some of these so-called black districts where the tail ban has been in control and the government has no authority and to begin to clear the taliban out of these areas, bring in development specialists, bring in reconstruction, and most importantly, reestablish government authority and then provide protection for the people that want to participate in the popping process. because what we see is the people who don't want the taliban there, but there is no government to protect them. and so the idea is to clear the taliban out, provide the protection that people need. what i heard from commanders on the ground is, they have a strategy, they know how to deal with this threat, but they haven't had the resources they need. so they are very enthusiastic about the new u.s. troops coming in. they believe they will be able to begin to make progress, even before the elections, which are only six weeks away. the focus now with the troops and the offensive that began yesterday is in the southern part of the country. we also have to keep an eye on the eastern border with pakistan as well. these two countries as far as their relationship. any changes there? >> well you know, 80% of the insurgent activity is occurring in just a handful of these districts if the southern region of afghanistan. so it is a very important area. one of the other objectives of this push into thsouth is to cut off the supply lines coming in from pakistan. the weapons, the insurgents. so that is another goal. and pakistan certainly is critical piece of this puzzle. and what we see in pakistan is literally a sea change in the attitude among the military as well as the public. and the decisions to confront the pakistan taliban. and if we continue to see the operations against the taliban, that that will benefit the eastern part of afghanistan, and help our coalition forces make progress there. but, what we'd like to see from pakistan in addition is a crackdown on the afghan taliban leadership, which is mainly located in the province of pakistan here, and this will help our efforts in southern afghanistan. it is a multi-pronged effort in which we must partner with pakistan, and we must convince them that it is important to counter not only the pakistan taliban but the afghan taliban as well. in the past we have seen a tendency to support the afghan taliban while fighting the pakistan taliban but i think we have to convince the leadership this is not a winning strategy, that they must confront the problem in a whole manner. >> no success comes without loss yesterday. tragically we saw the marine loss yesterday. i think this flashed back to what happened in iraq and there were heavy casualties right away. is this something we should just expect more casualties as this continues? >> well, it is it is possible for the coalition forces to turn the tide here. but it is not going to be easy. temperatures are high. the terrain is difficult. they are pushing into new areas. we are expecting you know the taliban to fight back at some point. so i think, unfortunately, there may be more casualties. but i think the important point to note is we do have a strategy in place that is a winning strategy. and we are beginning to make some progress. and i think that you know, we will see progress in the months ahead. >> something we certainly can't grasp until we were there. you were there. thank you. 7:40 on this friday morning. they are strangers, they are picked to live in a house together and now they are doing that in the district. your first glimpse of the real word dc cast, coming up. then tigewoods said he wanted to be greedy and win his own tournament. so housedog? atll check out the srdreoa when fox 5 morning news returns. hmmm... well... naaa... yeah! calculating for getaway. ♪ find your way to a perfect destination at busch gardens... and water country usa... where family-fun surrounds you... and world-class rides astound. start at buschgardens.com. you can probably imagine a lot of ways... to make land o' lakes butter spreadable. 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( elmo giges ) ♪ big and small! there's fun for all! ♪ 66 degrees at 7:43. time for a look at some of the stories making headlines this morning. even with most of the evidence lost, finally conviction in a 26-year-old murder case. melvin jackson convicted in the rape and murder of a french tourist back in 1983. police originally went after the wrong man, then the case went cold. then a recent fox 5 investigation turned up a box with jackson's dna. it was tested and connected to the crime. a second autopsy performed on david care diane proved he died of as faxia. the real world cast moved to due pontchartrain circle. according t hetdc s.com, one person yelled out go home. but some web reporters and bloggers countered and said welcome to dc. incredibly rude. >> maybe they will just play it. >> i got on the real world. go home. look for me. >> welcome to dc if you are watching. >> glad to have you here. have you seen the first cast? >> they are all in their 40s. >> this is my favorite real world. >> first show was in new york in 1990. so it has been 20 years ago. >> they are drawing retirement checks right now. >> exactly. >> i worked all night long just for you. >> you did not. >> i did. >> let's go right to the map. >> the 4th of july forecast. >> i hope it is spectacular. >> here it is. your 4th of july forecast. >> oh, it is very nice. >> straight out of the 1990 real world season number one. >> i like it very much. >> good job. >> i gave it all i had, there. >> that is a little better, righted a. >> your forecast, partly cloudy. could be an afternoon thunderstorm on july fourth holiday. generally speaking it will be a great looking day. plenty of sunshine. most of us will experience dry weather on july fourth. he thats good news this year. the next couple of days we have irlyquiet weather. reagan national, pittsburgh 60. wein showers to our north and st. ou weonle e d wo tor later today. most of the tarea should remai dry. 7 cape hat rase. the area of low pressure finally on the move. it is north of buffalo and dragging with it most of its energy. today less cloud cover than yesterday. we'll be in and out of the clouds. can't rule out the posy ibitil it of an isolated shower. best time 4:00 or 5:00 this afternoon. most of us are going to remain dry today. here's your 5-day forecast. 82 this afternoon. 86 tomorrow. late day shower or thunderstorms possible. sunday storm passes to the south. a few showers or so. no 90s in the 5-day forecast. >> that is kind of a treat. >> monday looks great. 81 for a high. >> should be great. checking in to see if traffic is picking up out there? > >> reporter: no, it is very, very light. unfortunately we have a couple of complications if you are heading into work today or out on your great he is and getting out of -- escape and getting out of town today. in springfield, i'm going to take you there, we are watching the southbound lanes, because southbound 95 right before you get to 123, that is where you have an accident. the right lane only is getting by. just to the south is where you start to hit your delays. i expect they'll probably get a back-up into springfield. that is a check of your fox 5 on time traffic. all right. thanks. round two of tyler's tournament kicked off a few minutes ago. low scoring day yesterday. three dozen players shot in the 60s, including host tiger woods here dropping a 30- footer. he is in a three-way tie for second place. shooting a four under 66. we caught up with the world's greatest golf and he says he is happy to wrap-up all the red tape and tee off. >> it is nice to get inside the ropes and compete and play and try to catch aj. he lit it up this morning. keep yourself in the ballgame. >> ak, is anthony kim. that is who won last year. there he is. he had eight birdies over the final 13 holes for a course record 8 under 62. yet he was mad he missed a putt on the last hole. still on top of the leaderboard by two shots. what about maryland's own fred funk? the former terms golf coach did not get off to a good start. a double bogey on the first hole. but it wasn't that kind of a day. just a bad hole. he did recover, and he regrouped and shot 1 over for the day, with a first round 71. nine behind anthony kim. after the first hole he shot under par for the rest of the day. >> so it was a good day for the local. is he the only local that you know? >> right now? yes. >> let's root for fred funk and tiger, of course. 74:99 on this july 3rd. what better place to celebrate the fourth than at george washington's home? and who better to celebrate there than our own holly? >> i never miss a good party, right? they definitely are having one here at mt. vernon. a great activity on july fourth? the reading of the declaration of independence. they will be doing that here. but you can also read it yourself. the first facsimile of the document is on display. we are going to tell you about that and why you shouldn't miss out on this patriotic party yourself. stay with us. the distance from the field to your table just got shorter. because at safeway there's always freshly picked... local produce at great prices. it's 100% guaranteed... to be fresh and ripe, every time. so hurry in for delicious goodness, all right down the street. that's ingredients for life. that's safeway. right now, get northwest sweet red cherries -- just $1.99 a pound with your club card. safeway just lowered the price of summer. a chinese emperor that he declared it a sacred plant. benefits... buddhist monks believed eating soy... was healthier for the body and spirit. and american farmers planted soybeans... to help revive the barren soil of the dust bowl. for thousands of years, people all around the world have eaten soy. 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enbrel is right for you, and about our co-pay and financial support programs. this morning we now know the funeral plan for the king of pop. plus it's believed to be the last video ever shot of michael jackson and we're going to show it to you coming up in a few minutes at 8:00. then the 4th of july a big day for metro. so how is the transit agency doing two weeks after the deadliest crash? we'll have an update. don't miss out on the capital 4th celebration. you can catch a sneak peek today. good morning, i'm steve chenevey. >> andi'm allison seymour. >> and we are considering it the holiday already. let's check in with tucker barnes to check on the forecast. >> it's a fine looking start. what are you laughi a >> i was trying to think what wonder you were okg ouint of. >> i mstucky head outside. this weends we indkee keis be a good one. kind of a mix of sun and clouds. more clouds to the north and utbehine to the t either way it ule shobd a dry morning with abundant sunshine throughout the day and a couple of clouds moving in b from the west during the course ofthe afternoon. nice looking forecast and again could be an isolated shower or thunderstorm but holding chances at 10-20%. so unlike last couple of days, i think most of the area should remain dry. 67 now at reagan national. we're starting that process of warming up the atmosphere. we'll have highs later today in the low 80s. here is a look at the forecast. and again, 10-20% chance of shower but other than that it should be nice. dry weather. if you want to start the barbecue up early, go out foa walk or play golf. 82 in washington. 84 in fredericksberg, 81 in front royal. >> it does look good, tuck. thank you. and let's check in with ali oakley and look at traffic out there. >> the volume has been light. so if you're heading into work, you won't find too much to complain about. however on southbound 95 we do have a complication. an accident at 123 was moved over to the far right-hand side of the roadway but you'll notice slow traffic on southbound 95. look at how that little lineup is. this is the capital beltway. here is the franconia springfield parkway and you can see erybody pushed over to one far right lane and you have volume making their getaway for the weekend. once you are past the occuquan, down to 64 if you're heading to virginia beach or to the north carolina beaches, you'll be just fine. no accidents beyond this. your northbound lanes are very light with the volume. h.o.v. restrictions lifts along 95 and 395. a couple of accident vehicles pulled over to the shoulder. this is the inner lop of the beltway at 66. and it's not a factor this morning. that is a check -- that is a check of your fox 5 on-time traffic. steve, back to you. public memorial set for the king of pop. the big question this morning is how will folks get ckets for it. plus a look at the new video that could be jackson's last rehearsal. let's get the details from matt acland. >> reporter: good morning. we should be learning more about the tribute on tuesday during a press conference at 10:00 on the west coast. as you might imagine, hundreds of thousands of people may want to be a part of the goodbye, but only 11,000 tickets will be made available. >> a tribute for michael jackson is set to take place on tuesday at the los angeles staples center. 11,000 tickets will be made available to the general public. a registration will be held to award the tickets, but hundreds of thousands of fans could show up any way, meaning it could be a logistical nightmare. >> it's going to create traffic but it's worth it. to be able to come and pay homage to him. >> reporter: a short video clip of michael jackson rehearsing two days before his death was released on thursday. according to the promotors, it's part of more than 100 hours of footage that could be turned into live albums, a movie, and even a pay-per-view special. great news for jackson fans, including the president of the united states. >> i think that michael jackson is -- will go down in history as one of our greatest entertainers. i grew up on his music. i still have all of his stuff on my ipod. >> reporter: authorities are not certain what led to the pop singer's death. but drugs are suspected. one of michael jackson's friends is speaking out. >> i tried in the minutes and times that i was with him to run some sense into his brain and i told him, and i'm telling you, i told him, mike, you are going to die. mike, you are going to kill yourself. >> reporter: also michael's older brother jermaine said there will be a private service for michael before the tribute at the staples center. and steve, i'm sure a lot of folks will want to attend that. the private service will be for family but all of hollywood's elite. >> and that's probably more 11,000 tickets that they can hold. >> and 9 to 11,000 right now. it doesn't seem like enough. >> still going to be more demand than supply. >> no doubt. >> matt, thank you so much. and an associated press firefighter was able to get me rare access to his former neverland ranch. he bought the property in 1988. tree years ago it was valued at $33 million but financial trouble forced jackson into a joint venture with an l.a. real estate firm that owns half of never land. the future of the estate still up in the air but some express interest in turning it into a grace land-style attraction that would be open to the public. d.c. getting tuned up for one of the biggest shows. there is no place like the nation's capital when it comes time to celebrate the 4th. barry man illo, aretha franklin, natasha beningfield, just a few stars this year. elaine reyes is joining us live on how to deal with -- on how to see the show without the crowd. >> rorter: tomorrow night's show has the big 4th of july fireworks finale. but if you don't feel like hanging out with a few hundred people, come on out to the west lawn of the capital, to the stage behind me here, because it will be rocking. ♪ >> reporter: it's one of the best-kept secrets in d.c. >> hopefully we avoid a lot of crowds. because i'm not into crowds. [ music ] >> reporter: the show before the show on the capital grounds. celebrating the 4th of july. >> what are you going to see tonight? >> stars. >> reporter: this year there is a full line of talent schedule to perform at the concert, including broadway's the jersey boys. [ music ] >> reporter: preparation and rehearsal are in full swing. the national symphony is tuning up, making sure to hit every note just right. one family says it's a thrill to celebrate america's birthday this way. >> 4th of july means freedom for the whole world. >> reporter: one woman and her child are taking in the celebration. >> i've never been able to see the cop certificate because there were so many people. >> reporter: this year they have prime seats and it looks like baby dillan couldn't be -- more surprised. d.c. hotels are putting their best face forward. at the willard intercontinental, even the pastry chef is feeling the spirit. >> this is our 4th of july amenity. we have our white capital dome filled with chocolate covered cherries. >> reporter: and celebrating the nation's birth, albeit a few days early. but with all of the pomp and circumstance benefiting the nation for those who fight to keep her ee. >> and looking at some stars rehearsing today. barry man illo hits the stage at 11:00. arena frank -- aretha franklin at 2:45 and you can find the full dress rehearsal here at 8:00 tonight. live from the capital, elaine reyes, fox 5 news. >> thank you, elaine. and if you are heading down to the mall, pack your patience before you head to the festivities. all coolers, backpacks and packages will be in intespecd. and these items will keep you off the mall entirely, illegal ub stances, guns, alcohol, fireworks, grills. you know the routine. remember road closers start on saturday at 4:00 p.m. and some roads will be closed during the independence day parade. just in time for the holiday weekend, a sign metro is getting back up to speed. red line trains will return to their regular train. the only exception is the location of the deadly crash. they will be using eight-car trains throughout the holiday. breaking news around the world. north korea fired four short range missiles off the east coast. leaders in japan warn there may be a test toward hawaii this weekend. a straggle to push back the taliban leaves one marine dead. fighting also left dozens of marines wounded. about 4,000 troops are part of the offensive, many from camp lejeune in north carolina. in afghanistan it is a search to find a soldier capture bid the taliban. german prosecutors say john demjanjuk is set to to be charged with murders. it is 8:11. starting today, a special 9/11 tribute will be held here in our area. what it is and how you can make a permanent mark on the memorial when we come back. plus tuck certify back with a look at your 4th of july forecast. and if you're headed out of town, don't leave home until you get your on-time traffic report. stay with us. 5 fox spmorning news is continuing. it's 11 past the hour. fo [ alarm buzzes ] [ elevator bell dings, telephone rings ] [ indistinct conversations ] [ elevator bell dings ] good night america. [ alarm buzzes ] [ elevator bell dings, telephone rings ] [ indistinct conversations, elevator bell dings ] good night amer-- [ alarm buzzes, elevator bell dings ] [ female announcer ] nutri-grain. mmmm. one good decision can lead to another. ♪ made with real fruit and now with more of the whole grains your body needs. nutri-grain can help you eat better all day. ah, just installed fios in the whole building. now everyone has the fastest upload speeds. and we're giving them a mini netbook. well, i'm sticking with cable. so's ted. (voice) no i'm not! he's just goofing. (voice) no i'm not! (sighing) ted has betrayed me. (announcer) unlike cable, fios brings 100% fiber optics straight to your home and when you switch now, you can get a free compaq mini netbook. just pay shipping, handling and taxes. with fios, you'll get razor-sharp tv, blazing fast internet and crystal-clear phone service all for just... sign up today. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities at 800.974.6006 tty/v, and for a limited time, get an incredible compaq mini, toet the most out of your fios internet. get it all together with a great deal on fios tv, internet and phone plus get a free compaq mini netbook. just pay shipping, handling and taxes. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities at 800.974.6006 tty/v before time runs out on this astonishing offer. welcome back now at 8:14. we want to get a look at a couple of things right now, very important. >> because it's friday and we need happiness and so here is the cute factor. >> we need the forecast also. >> but we veha o dtocu dthe te factor. it is time for the first 5 photo of the day. >> she's very cute. >> she's adorable. >> this is emma. she's turn 5 in september. >> yeah. >> she took a quick break from in front of the sprinklers to pose in front of the flowers. >> she's far prettier than the flowers. >> those hydrangeas are blooming right now. and they can be blue or purple. >> i didn't know that. >> it's all about the soil. >> and as pretty as they are. >> it looks like she's been swimming. >> its sprinklers. >> oh, yes. very cute. it should be a nice weekend around here. a lot of sunshine out there. 67 at reagan national. humidity is 63%. winds out of the west at 6 miles per hour. let's take pisn around the s streof the country. if you're traveling today, you're going to encounter cool weather if you're headed north and west. look at boston, 61. 62 in detroit. pittsburgh is stinttgeg shower activity. and they have cool temperatures as ttwell. the summer heat, it's in texas. 80 in dallas. dry too. only a quarter in of rain in houston during the past month. out to west, nice conditions. los angeles 61. d to se, ale59tt. anvery quieconditions along the west coast. nice and dry with sunshine. rain across the rocky mountain west, you can see it there pushing into the kansas city area at this hour. ann hetcloud cover ofhef to the north. so toward pittsburgh, buffalo, you'll encounter more clouds, cool condid onans showers. if you're headed south, down 95 toward atlanta and the carolinas, a lot of bright sunshine expected today with temperatures in the 80s and 90s. for us, 82 this afternoon. could be an isolated shower or thunderstorm. but i really think most of the area will remain dry throughout the day. tomorrow, nice looking july 4th holiday. 86 for an afternoon high. it won't be a wash out around here. that will do it for the forecast. let's go to allison oakley with the latest on the traffic. i know it's a holiday. >> it is. and i want to show you something. this is sad. we started off good and now look at this. this is your southbound ride on 95. and that's going to extend all the way down to the occuquan. there was an accident, near 123. they had everybody squeezing over to the far right lane. they've opened up all of the lanes but this is the price that you'll pay now. so if you are planning to make that southbound getaway toward the beaches, like into richmond and try to hook up with 64 to head to virginia beach or head to north carolina. this is the right that you have and it will be between springfield to the occuquan. south of that, it will improve. but you can believe this. we're already started this early in the morning. your h.o.v. lanes are open for business. there are no restrictions in virginia along 95, 395 as well as 66. the accident has been cleaned up on the inner loop at 66 so you're good to go there. that is a check of your fox 5 on-time traffic. allison and steve, back to you. today and tomorrow, a special 9/11 tribute right here in our area. >> and you can make a permanent mark on the memorial. gurvir joins us live from the museum with all of the details. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, allison and steve. we are outside of the museum and right behind me here, can you see the huge steel beams. and thosare beams that will be used to construct the september 11th national memorial and museum. and starting at 10:00 this morning, and going until 7:00 tonight and again tomorrow, people with come out here and sign the beams and then they'll be in new york for that september 11th memorial. and i'll tell you, couldn't have picked a better week for it, july 4th and they did that for a reason. and joe daniels is president and ceo of the national september 11th memorial. and you selected this weekend because it is july 4th. >> absolutely. i think july 4th, the birth of the country showcases the values that this country is built on, freedom, free speech, practice of freedom and religion. on 9/11 those values were under attack. and over almost 3,000 innocent people died. so remembering the victims of 9/11 at the july 4th weekend in the nation's capital is meaningful for it us. >> reporter: the beams that we see behind us are new steel. but -- >> we'll check back in request gurvir. we apologize for that. let's get back to her now. we have that problem worked out. gurvir. you can hear us. >> oh, i got you. >> we can see you now. >> reporter: joe was talking about how this weekend is special because it is july the 4th so remember those people who lost their lives on september 11th. these beams are new construction, new steel that will be used to construct this memorial, but you'll also have the the museum, some pieces found there. >> they will have artifacts recovered on that day. everything from monumental pieces of steel to reasonable response vehicles. these steel beams are part of the new construction. were underway at the world trade center te and we'll open the memorial on the 10th anniversary and that date we'll open it to the world and we'll invite everybody there to come. >> reporter: even though you don't see signatures on the beams just yet, they've traveled to 27 states getting people to sign and people will get a chance to do that here. >> absolutely. this memorial is being built with the participation of the american public. so we've been to 27 states. can leave a message of hope. we've been from jackson, mississippi, tampa, florida and now we're here in the nation's capital on july 4th weekend and we encourage visitors and residents to come down these two days and sign the beams. >> reporter: thank you so much. tom heiden burger step in here. i talk to you all of the time. i feel like its family. it's so good to see you. you lost your wife michelle on the attack of the pentagon. she was a flight attendant on flight 77. and for you this has to be important because you're working on the pentagon memorial. >> it was finished and it was complete and it opened last year. >> you spent so much time there. >> but it was a work of showing to everyone, not just the 184 victims, but that we as a nation and country can move on, because as you know in the conversations you and i have had, michelle said get over it and move on. and these memorials, not just the world trade center memorial or the pentagon memorial or the flight 93 memorial, it's all about us as a nation remembering the sacrifices as well as moving on and demonstrating that they're not going to win. terrorism will not take over. >> reporter: tom. thank you. and you mentioned flight 93 and can he can't leave without talking about that. and brent glass is a flight three memorial advisory commission member and the director of the history museum here. thank you for joining us. that memorial wi be different than those in the urban areas like new york and washington, d.c. >> that's right. the crash of flight 93 occurred in a rural area in summer set county, pennsylvania and the memorial will be dedicated on the 10th anniversary in 2011. the design of that memorial will take into account the unique landscape of what was formally a mining and farming area, recreational use, but it will respect the landscape and also several elements will pay tribute to the 40 passengers and crew members who lost their lives that day. and it will also provide access to the site, but also give family members unique access in a sacred ground at the crash site. reporter: thank you so much. gentlemen, thank you, all of you, for being here this morning. again, they're going to have opening ceremonies at 10:00 this morning and then you can co on down here and write your own words of hope, sympathy, whatever you want to do on the steel beams which will then be at that memorial up in new york. back to you. >> thank you very much. a lot of people will be down there over the weekend to take advantage of that opportunity. still ahead this morning. a look at 4th of july fun for food lovers. and what better place to celebrate the 4th then at george washington's home. we'll check in with holly this morng anincause e that's where she is. go ahead and fire it off. [ sound of gunfire ] a judge will decide the fate of a d.c. mother of killing her four daughters and living with their bodies for months. yesterday a judge accepted a ju trial waiver. her trial is set to begin a week from monday. there are new details in the casof a maryland mother accused of killing her two adopted daughters and hiding their bodies in a freezer. in court yesterday detectives said a surviving sister told them their mother locked them in a room, forced them to go to bam room in -- bhroom bucket and choked them. coming up next, more on two important recalls that parents need to know about. plus the summer is here if full swing and that means bracing for hidden health danger from pool safety to those nasty bugs. don't miss the fox 5 summer iv al. de g we'll be right back. 8:27. ♪ find your way to a perfect destination at busch gardens... and water country usa... where family-fun surrounds you... and world-class rides astound. start at buschgardens.com. ♪ ♪ mmm! ♪ and i would do anything for love ♪ a.1. makes meat loaf sing. but i've got a warm, fresh baked strawberry toaster strudel. see the difference? mmmm. i do. 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( elmo giggles ) ♪ big and small! there's fun for all! ♪ 8:30 now as we look at today's top stories and we start with michael jackson. a memorial will be held on tuesday at the staples center in los angeles. it will start at 10:00 a.m. l.a. time. details should be unveiled during a news conference later today. also another jackson development. his ex-wife debbie rowe has not decided whether she will seek custody of the two children they share. and metro will return to red speeds. one exception is the crash site between takoma and fort totten stations. metro will use eight-car trains to transfer passengerred throughout the holiday. do you want to hang out with aretha franklin or barry manillow for the holiday? if you don't feel like braving the big crowds tomorrow night, you can check out the rehearsal today. a lot less crowds and it's free. barry minillo takes the stage for rehearsal at 11:00 a.m. and aretha franklin at 2:45 this afternoon. and a full dress rehearsal tonight at 8:00f. you've never done that before, it's a gret opportunity to get down there without the crowds. i know there is no fireworks, but it's great. >> you have the music. >> it's nice to not have the crowds around. >> should be a beautiful afternoon. my advice is to do it. >> they do a full performance. >> and the jersey boys sh that's who is performing. >> that's who was singing there. and barry manillow, what more do you want. >> he's >> so are you, tuck? in the making. >> barry manillow and should not be mentioned in the same breath. >> okay. all right. and if you're headed out of town, ocean city, bethany beach, should be fine. high of 80 down in ocean city. and i had to throw a thunderstorm into each day but most of the weekend should feature dry weather and the best chance for a shower and thunderstorm is on sunday. tomorrow mid-80s in ocean city and in bethany beach and toward rehoboth and cape may, a chance for an isolated chance of a thunderstorm late today. better chance for the day on sunday. nice morning out there. 67 at reagan national. 66 in baltimore. at patuxent naval air station you're currently 6 very comfortable and humidity is low out there and a great looking start to the beaches, ocean city 73 degrees. a mix of sun and clouds out there with a lot of sunshine and a slight chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm today. and the reason that the chances become less and less, this area of low pressure which we've been talking about for days and days is lifting off to the north and east and taking the energy with it. we'll be quiet today. tomorrow, most of the holiday, should be quiet as well with sunshine and temperatures in the middle 80s. so this will be a nice looking holiday forecast. a start with today. mix of clouds and possible afternoon thunderstorm. i had to throw it out there. but chances are about 10-20% you'll see one. high temrature 82 degrees. winds out of the west at 5-10 miles per hour. i'll return and we'll look at the weekend forecast. let's get to allison oakl with a look at our on-time traffic. we have a slow ride south boun95. so if you're doing interstate travel, it will be slow. i'm goi to step out of the way and show you how slow the ride will be. traffic that is very slow, that is southbound out of springfield toward the occuquan. south of the occuquan, things pick up. so if you are heading to the virginia beaches, the shore, that's going to be where you'll start to pick up. even if you're heading down toward north carolina. you'll be fine once you get south of the occuquan, then it's wide open. northbound lanes of 95, nice, light volume, h.o.v. lanes are available and the h.o.v. restriction have been lifted. here is the ride at the sandy point toll plaza, toward maryland, there is no wait at the toll plaza so you can get out there and enjoy that. this is on hanson highway. looking good too. this is a check of your fox 5 on-time traffic. back to you. tomorrow ithe 4th and this morning fox 5 has you covered with our summer survival guide. what to watch out for at the community pool to warnings about your next barbecue. claudia coffey breaks it all down. >> reporter: there is nothing like a carefree summer. but face it, there are plenty of ways to ruin a picture perfect way. >> my biggest worries in summer relate to sun, bugs and water. >> things in the heat. >> mosquitos. >> reporter: we worry and plan and still things go wrong. mom amy hugo is a mother of four. >> i think you're ready for the beach. let's get packed up. >> reporter: keeping her eye on a 12, 11, 5 and 3-year-old is a handful. >> this in my day, we ran outside and didn't worry about the sun. >> reporter: and we zeroed in on the top five summer threats and how to avoid them. number one on our list, the water. whether you're going to the pool, hot tub or beach, it's a parents' top concern. >> if it's too cloudy we don't go in. >> reporter: a recent study found one in five americans pee in the pool. and it's not just kids. >> many people do it. i think even michael phelps admitted to peeing in the pool. >> reporter: a family physician at georgetown university medical center said the most common parasite is crepto. >> it can cause diarrhea. >> reporter: it's resistent to chlorine. so if the tiles with slimy, don't go in. and summer threat number two -- food. >> do pack things in ice in a cooler. >> reporter: it's best to stick to fresh fruits and don't code the cooler to sun for more than 10-15 minutes. if it smells bad, don't eat it. >> usually we find them in hamburge >> reporter: if meat is a must, make sure you cook it thoroughly and that brings us to summer threat number three, grilling. dr. peter shields of the lombardi cancer center says medium is ideal. and if you're concerned about carcinogens but like the taste of grilled food, here is a tip. >> if you microwave your food enough to get it cooked, you gret the grill flavor and less carcinogen. >> reporter: from the heat of the grill to the heat of the sun. >> we make sure we have plenty of sun screen and wears the craft shirt. >> reporter: and then sun exposure. >> making sure the kids have sun screen, hats on. that's a rule at the park. >> reporter: lots of sun screen. at least spf15 and reapply every half hour. and summer threat number five, injuries. >> no running at the pool. >> reporter: many paralysis injuries and broken bones happen during the summer. >> so to me the number win issue is watch out for injuries. if you're going biking with your family, make sure you have a helmet on. >> reporter: so for your next summer outing, pack the essentials. >> you want your hat on so you don't get sun in your eyes. >> reporter: and remember our rules. >> i think we're ready. >> reporter: don't forget to have a little fun too. in bethesda, claudia coffey, fox 5 news. >> and don't forget to have fun. coming up next, two anrtcaporepat s llrents need to worry about. >> it is now 8:39 on this friday morning. we'll be right back with that and more. ♪ the art of getting dirty. the art of getting clean. new powerfully formulated wisk®. is better on tough mud stains than tide total care. wisk®. powerfully clean. perfectly priced. ah, just installed fios in the whole building. now everyone has the fastest upload speeds. and we're giving them a mini netbook. well, i'm sticking with cable. so's ted. (voice) no i'm not! he's just goofing. (voice) no i'm not! (sighing) ted has betrayed me. (announcer) unlike cable, fios brings 100% fiber optics straight to your home and when you switch now, you can get a free compaq mini netbook. just pay shipping, handling and taxes. with fios, you'll get razor-sharp tv, blazing fast internet and crystal-clear phone service all for just... sign up today. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities at 800.974.6006 tty/v, and for a limited time, get an incredible compaq mini, to get the most out of your fios internet. get it all together with a great deal on fios tv, internet and phone plus get a free compaq mini netbook. just pay shipping, handling and taxes. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities at 8.974.6006 tty/v before time runs out on this astonishing offer. a consumer alert for parents. before you head to the pool this weekend, about 4 million baby floats are being recalled because of a drowning hazard. the complex baby boat and adjustable sun shade boat made by aqua leisure industry are two products on a long list. there are several reports of seats in the floats tearing. if you have one, you're urged to stop using it right away. also, the cps c has announce aid major crib recall to you about. after an 8-month-old baby got stuck between a mattress and a drop down side of a crib and died. simplicity is recalling it's drop side cribs. the hardware can break or deform allowing the drop side to detach and creating a dangerous gap. we have more information on myfoxdc.com. just check out web links. 8:43 on this friday morning. and coming up next, a look at 4th of july fun for you food lovers. >> and don't forget to look us up on facebook. to become a fan search for fox 5 morning news. there is no space between fox th thbee um sn5.wir y s.ta u at 8:43, we'll be right back. f! where ya headed? ah, just installed fios in the whole building. now everyone has the fastest upload speeds. and we're giving them a mini netbook. well, i'm sticking with cable. so's ted. (voice) no i'm not! he's just goofing. (voice) no i'm not! (sighing) ted has betrayed me. (announcer) unlike cable, fios brings 100% fiber optics straight to your home and when you switch now, you can get a free compaq mini netbook. just pay shipping, handling and taxes. with fios, you'll get razor-sharp tv, blazing fast internet and crystal-clear phone service all for just... sign up today. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities at 800.974.6006 tty/v, and for a limited time, get an incredible compaq mini, to get the most out of your fios internet. get it all together with a great deal on fios tv, internet and phone plus get a free compaq mini netbook. just pay shipping, handling and taxes. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities at 800.974.6006 tty/v before time runs out on this astonishing offer. 4th of july isn't just about fireworks, it's also about the yummy food. and if you're already sick of barbecues there are plenty of choices out there. this is the founder of the list, are you on it.com, nicki jonas joins us now. if anybody knows, it's you. we're happy you're here on july 4th eve. >> this is an incredible july 4th. you would think with the economy there is less going on. but things are starting today and into tomorrow and there is lots of ways to have a good time. >> and holly morris is going to talk about the national harbor but you wanted to mention -- >> it is going on today. they're kicking it of tonight. and it's $5 a ticket. it's going to be a huge festival. kids rides. and they'll have a wine garden. and that's for adults only. but you can go in there and they'll be doing some guard demo rolling. it's only $5 a ticket and i think it's a rocking way to kick off july 4th. >> sure is. and i love the back drop of georgetown for the 4th of july. and you want to talk about old glory. >> it's one of the classic places. and barbecue and 4th of july goes hand in hand. soy -- so i think it's a great play. georgetown is great and you can walk down to the water after you eat and see a spectacular show. >> a blending of history with the willard 4th of july. >> and i love what the willard is doing. they're doing on out door block party and there will be music, lots of live music. jumping journey or something like that will be playing. >> jumping jupiter. >> yeah. and it will be a great block party. and you're on pennsylvania avenue. and so when it gets dark, you'll just have to look up. >> and this one was different. i was surprised to read this to. the mclean community center 4th of july celebration. >> and this one is more low key. it's not like the mandarin oriental blowout. but they have great foods with funnel cake macers and craft makers. and it's more down home and we could use that as well. >> this is cool because people will be packing the picnic basket and going places to watch the fireworks. so the first one, stop by buzz bakery. >> for the ending, you have to have sweets and josh short is the chef there and he doesib credible -- does incredible things with 4th of july cupcakes and cookies. his stuff is good. and if you're lucky, there may still be some red apron hot dogs made by nathan anda. he does their sharp shootery and his hot dogs are fabulous. >> and also the bushers block in old town alexandria. >> this is robert weeder meyer. he's opening up this bucker block to go and get sandwiches and fines and beers. it's a fantastic selection of things. so he's putting together two different baskets so to speak and one is filled with sandwiches and these are not peanut butter and jelly. these are delicious high-end sandwiches. and then the other one is filled with shark oatery or cheese. and it's a great thing to take along for the fireworks. >> if you want something kind of different, dine with the declaration of independence. how do we do this? >> for those of you that don't want to bother seeing the big show. you can head out to 2949 restaurant out in virginia. it's a beautiful location and they are -- they have incredible art work, but just until the 5th, they'll have two declarations of independence that you can go and vieand see. and they are to be -- i haven't -- i haven't seen them, but they're supposed to be spectacular. >> and you always have such great ideas. and in this economy, people want to celebrate and what a better way than to say happy birthday, usa. >> and if you're going to spend money, this is the way to do it. if you haven't been to the mandarin oriental, if you haven't been there, they have a great patio out front. and you can go and eat and then go sit outside and they have a fantastic view of the fireworks. so that is another great place to go. >> always looking to avoid the crowds if we can. >> and this takes you to different places. >> and the list, are you on the it,.com. >> my pleasure. and holly is checking out mt. vernon this morning. holly. >> reporter: it's not just another option, it is a fabulous option. as we are live at the historic estate this morning. july 4th always a big deal. some of the highlights, military reenactment going on. birthday cake for everyone. the general himself, and daytime fireworks? how does that work? we'll show it to you live xtne on fox 5 morning news. stay with us. fact-- the soft places we love, could be home to bacteria. but, lysol disinfectant spray can also be used on soft surfaces to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria. lysol. disinfect to protect. if it's not there, we dig by the septic tank 'til we find the problem. average repair costs six thousand dollars. monthly maintenance with rid-x? about six dollars. (announcer) use rid-x monthly to help keep your septic systems operating efficiently between pumpings. ♪ 'cause germs don't stick on me! ♪ only band-aid® brand plus antibiotic waterproof... has antibiotic ointment directly on the pad. and now it's 100% waterproof. one-step infection protection from the brand you trust. ♪ 'cause band-aid® helps heal me! ♪ ouch! ow! oops! it's neo to go!® ready. aim. protect. neosporin® gives you infection-protection, and pain relief. neo to go!® plus pain relief. every cut. every time. everywhere. welcome back to fox 5 morning news. now 8:55 on this friday morning and holly morris is going back in time today. >> she is at the george washington house in mt. vernon, the estate and garden as they get ready for the independence day celebration. holly, good morning. >> reporter: i know you were thinking about bringing the girls out here, allison. and i think everyone in our area should, some july 4th, come and spend it here. because they have a full day of events. it's an especially spectacular year because they have new things going on. but this year they're celebrating the holiday with a big bang. hello. can i still hear? how much fun is that. everybody loves when the first virginia regiment does that and they'll do that all day long here tomorrow. emily coleman is the spokesperson for mt. vernon and she joins me outside now. and this could not be any more gorgeous today. and it's so picturesque and you're doing it up right. >> we are. and we're hoping for the same weather tomorrow. our event runs from 9:30 to 3:00. no matter what time you'll see something symbolic. >> reporter: and if you stay you'll see different things. >> exactly. we have reenactments but we also have patriotic music, a naturalization sayre mobby where -- ceremony where 100 people will be sworn in as u.s. citizens and we've been promoting our daytime fireworks. >> reporter: explain how that works. >> they're different from the nighttime. the actual cols come when they're shooting up into the sky and the trail that they leave behind is colored. so they'll be red white and blue but all kinds of different colors. >> reporter: like almost the contents of the plain. >> i see it on google images and you can see what it looks like and they're spectacular. >> reporter: or you could come tomorrow and see them herement and it doesn't cost any extra for all of the extra things that they're doing here at mt. vernon. 's all included with the general price of admission. and while coming to mt. vernon is always memorable, every time you come, you don't get to run into the general himself. however if you come tomorrow, you will. and if you head up this way, you'll see that general washington happens to be presiding over his troops. good morning, to you, sir. >> welcome to you. how are you, my dear. >> reporter: i'm well. thank you. what is going through your mind today? >> well it is a great deal of spinning back going on. the formation of this great nation of ours and the miracle of the formation of this nation. >> reporter: what do you think july 4th will symbolize in the future? >> well i hope that it will be a day of celebration, a day of ill lumination and a day of remembrance. and it is critical that everyone does remember that freedom is not free. there are great responsibilities that go along with it. >> reporter: and how are your troops looking this morning. >> why don't you join me. we shall inspect the troops. >> repter: okay. >> captain, you are looking to see if there is anything irregular amongst the troops. for example, captain, will you remind this recruit about the general order regarding being clean shaven. >> very good, sir. >> private. >> reporter: now we are having this wonderful experience back in time because the very talented dean melissa is the person that plays the general out here. and so dean, i know we don't have a lot of time, but i overheard you saying that you were really excited about the naturalization ceremony today. you've been a part of -- of a lot of these festivities but it is very important. >> i can be at the white house one day and here the next but nothing is more exciting about bringing new citizens to america. >> reporter: and nothing is more exciting to me than birthday cake. and there is enough cake for everybody while supplies last. so come on out and enjoy and say happy birthday america. >> joy of independence. >> back to you guys. >> thanks, guys. talking