Washington Monument Unveiled

July 3 -- The Washington Monument is whiter and sharper— ready to be the centerpiece of the Independence Day celebration.

The obelisk is the backdrop for traditional fireworkscelebrations on the Washington Mall.

It was the star at a special ceremony today marking thecompletion of a four-year restoration project.

Honoring a Rich History

Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt says the refurbishing honorsthe rich past of the monument completed nearly 116 years ago.

Gospel-country artist Amy Grant joined the U.S. Air Force band toperform America the Beautiful.

Some 1,000 square feet of the monument has been cleanedand the stones patched on the outside. Inside, a new elevator cabis being installed. Also, workers also spruced up the interiorwalls and nearly 200 commemorative stones.

It officially opens to the public on July 31.