 Luke Luger, WTOP News. And a couple of notes from WTOP for your Independence Day celebration. The Lincoln Memorial will be closed on July 4th, Thursday. That's because of safety concerns from anticipated crowds on the mall that day, combined with limited access caused by ongoing construction on the steps right now. The plaza and lawn by the reflecting pool will be open as usual to see the fireworks just after 9 Thursday night. The memorial steps and chamber will reopen on July 5th.