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America’s grand old flag takes center stage this July 4th when A Capitol Fourth 2002 - the nation’s premier birthday party - brings viewers across the country together on the first Independence Day following the events of September 11. The top-rated PBS broadcast offers an evening of memorable patriotic music ranging from the classics to rock'n'roll, from country to the blues, topped off with a dazzling display of fireworks. Also on tap: a tribute to beloved American composer Richard Rodgers on the occasion of his 100th anniversary. The 90-minute event airs live from Washington, D.C., on Thursday, July 4, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET (check local listings).

Joining host Barry Bostwick for the festivities is the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin - the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; the legendary Chuck Berry, whose performance in the 1987 documentary Hail! Hail! Rock and Roll is considered a classic; country music's Grammy Award-winning Charlie Daniels Band; talented young jazz singer Jane Monheit; British opera singer Russell Watson; and other world-class performers. Leading the internationally renowned National Symphony Orchestra is America's premier pops conductor, Erich Kunzel. Since it first aired in 1971, A Capitol Fourth has become an annual holiday tradition. The PBS special consistently achieves the highest ratings for music performance programs on the network and is seen by millions of television viewers. Broadcast from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, A Capitol Fourth can be heard live in stereo over National Public Radio and also airs worldwide via the American Forces Radio and Television Network.

"In the wake of September 11, Americans across the nation and around the world have pulled together, reaffirming their love of country and their pride in the freedoms we celebrate at this time of year," says Jerry Colbert, executive producer. "That sense of renewed patriotism and resolve is reflected in this year's very special program and in the wonderful group of talented performers who are joining us for the occasion."

A Capitol Fourth is made possible by grants from Lockheed Martin, the National Park Service, Ernst & Young, United States Army, the National Endowment for the Arts, Public Television Viewers, PBS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Air travel is provided by American Airlines. Executive producer of the special is Jerry Colbert. Walter Miller serves as producer with Paul Miller as the director. Michael Colbert is executive-in-charge of production and Buz Kohan serves as writer. The program is a co-production of Jerry Colbert of Capital Concerts and WETA, Washington, D.C.

For more information, viewers can visit the companion Web site at www.pbs.org/capitolfourth.