WASHINGTON – The US has marked its 250th birthday with fireworks and flyovers – but celebrations across the country were complicated by extreme weather.
“The American dream is back,” US President Donald Trump told a cheering crowd during a delayed rally in Washington’s National Mall, before what he described as the world’s largest firework display. The July 4 federal holiday commemorates the 13 US colonies signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to end British rule.
Despite the celebrations, Trump has been criticised for making himself central to the milestone and politicising the celebrations.
The president’s speech, which wrapped up just before midnight, touched on political themes, including the rejection of communism, his backing of the Save America Act and the right to bear arms.
“Long live the cause of independence,” he said. “May it reign forever and ever and ever. We will always be on top, we will never let our country fall, we will always be the best.” Trump capped off his remarks by calling the moment ‘only the dawn of the golden age of America’ with its destiny ‘written by God’. Celebrations in Washington DC were delayed because of a thunderstorm, which forced an evacuation of the National Mall earlier in the evening.
Guests attending the Salute to America, the Great American State Fair and Fifa fan zone were asked to seek temporary shelter in nearby buildings.
Once the storm had passed, festivities began again, including a flyover featuring the new Air Force One and a concert. The grande finale – the fireworks show – was marked by a massive flurry of blasts, concluding at about 1am local time (6am GMT). The small crowd on Capitol Hill cheered before rapidly walking towards the exits as it began to lightly rain.
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