WASHINGTON, July 5: President Donald Trump blended patriotic tributes with partisan messaging as he marked the 250th anniversary of American independence in Washington on Saturday, calling it “one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time.”
After severe storms forced a nearly two-hour evacuation of the National Mall, Trump resumed the celebrations by honouring military veterans, including World War II veterans and one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat during the Vietnam War.
Historic American flags, including one that draped Abraham Lincoln’s casket and another flown by the Wright Brothers, formed the backdrop to the ceremony.
While Independence Day speeches traditionally emphasise national unity, Trump used the occasion to advance several political themes.
He promoted the SAVE America Act, an elections bill facing resistance even within his Republican Party, reaffirmed his support for the Second Amendment, and criticised communism, a message that has become increasingly central to his campaign ahead of the November midterm elections.
The celebration reflected Trump’s personal style, featuring rally regulars such as singer Lee Greenwood, who performed “God Bless America.”
Event planning was largely overseen by White House-aligned organisers rather than the bipartisan group established by Congress.
“We will always be on top. We will never let our country fall,” Trump told the crowd, projecting optimism about America’s future.
The anniversary celebrations unfolded despite extreme weather across much of the East Coast.
Heatwaves and severe storms forced cancellations or disruptions in several cities, including Hartford, Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre, while temporary evacuations were ordered in Washington, Boston and Philadelphia.
Fireworks schedules were adjusted in New York and Pittsburgh to accommodate changing weather conditions.
Despite the disruptions, patriotic events continued nationwide.
In Philadelphia, Independence Hall hosted celebrations alongside World Cup festivities.
New York marked the occasion with a parade of 43 tall ships around the Statue of Liberty, followed by flyovers by military aircraft, including the Navy’s Blue Angels and France’s Patrouille de France.
At George Washington’s Mount Vernon, new citizens took the Oath of Allegiance during naturalisation ceremonies.
Across the country, Americans gathered for parades, concerts and family celebrations, with many describing the anniversary as a rare opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history, achievements and future despite political divisions. (AP)
