Coinciding with the United States’ Independence Day celebrations, the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival honors the rich cultural heritage and traditions of America as a unique ‘melting pot’ of cultures. Established in 1967, the festival is seen as a hallmark of cross culture diplomacy, representing the diversity of the United States. VOA’s Anthony LaBruto was live on the National Mall in downtown Washington, D.C. to report on the event.