In a salute to George M.Cohan, check out this video of The National Symphony Orchestra lead by Jack Everly at the 2014 A Capitol Fourth concert, live on the West Lawn of the U.S Capitol.

Executive Producer Jerry Colbert takes a retrospective look at the origins of A Capitol Fourth and its evolution over the last 35 years.

After the Boston Marathon bombing, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning musician and songwriter Neil Diamond was moved to write about the incomprehensible tragedy. His “Freedom Song (They’ll Never Take Us Down)” debuted nationally on the 33rd annual broadcast of “A Capitol Fourth.” 100% of the proceeds from the song sales benefit One Fund Boston and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Phillip Phillips, the Season 11 winner of American Idol, performs his coronation song, "Home” on the biggest and brightest birthday party in 2012, A Capitol Fourth.

PBS viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation during A Capitol Fourth. Enjoy some of America's all-time favorite marches, performed by the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets accompanied the 56 State and Territorial Flags, and the most spectacular fireworks display in the whole U.S.A.

Watch singer/dancer/actress Megan Hilty light up the stage with a patriotic medley that wows the crowd on A Capitol Fourth.

Singer, songwriter, musician, and winner of the first season of “The Voice,” Javier Colon, thanks the brave men and women of our armed forces who were wounded in action while defending the freedom we enjoy in the United States of America. Watch his tribute performance to our service members, wounded warriors and veterans.

Bonfires and illuminations have been a central part of July Fourth since 1777. There is nothing like a fireworks display to bring out your patriotic spirit! Watch this video as we count down to A Capitol Fourth, July 4 at 8pm/ET, only on PBS.

Every year, millions of people tune-in to watch America's biggest Independence Day celebration, A Capitol Fourth, broadcast live on PBS. Watch country music star, Josh Turner, perform his hit song "Firecracker" at the star-spangled celebration in 2012.

Each year, "A Capitol Fourth" is capped off with the National Symphony Orchestra's rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" complete with live cannon fire provided by The U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery and fireworks over the Washington Monument. This audience favorite is now an "A Capitol Fourth" tradition.

The Marine Drum and Bugle Corps perform the "Washington Post March" at the fountain on the West Front of the United States Capitol. What better way to celebrate Americas birthday than with a stirring rendition of John Philip Sousa's popular march?

Elmo, everyone's favorite Muppet from Sesame Street, sings Happy Birthday to America on a past "A Capitol Fourth" show. Maestro Erich Kunzel, who tragically passed away in 2009, conducted the concert for over twenty years.

On America's biggest birthday party, A Capitol Fourth, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers perform a remarkable set of bluegrass tunes, including Steve's original song written just for the show. Me and Paul Revere tells the tale of Revere's ride from the point of view of the horse and the Orange Blossom Special is sure to please!

At this year’s “A Capitol Fourth,” legendary composer and conductor John Williams will lead the National Symphony Orchestra in an inspiring performance of his Oscar-nominated original score to the film “Lincoln.” Here he is receiving the National Artistic Achievement Award, honoring his lifetime contribution as one of America’s greatest musical voices.