WASHINGTON DC: The United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence with fireworks, military flyovers and public events, despite severe weather that included thunderstorms and a prolonged heat wave affecting large parts of the country.
At a delayed Freedom 250 celebration on the National Mall in Washington, President Donald Trump addressed supporters before what organisers described as the largest fireworks display in US history.
Declaring that “the American dream is back,” Trump praised the nation’s future and reiterated themes that have featured prominently in his recent political messaging, including opposition to communism, support for the Save America Act and the constitutional right to bear arms. He concluded by saying the event marked “the dawn of the golden age of America” and that the country’s destiny was “written by God.”
The July 4 federal holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the 13 American colonies declared independence from British rule.
The anniversary celebrations unfolded amid political divisions, with critics accusing Trump of politicising the milestone through the Freedom 250 initiative, which is separate from the congressionally authorised America 250 commemorations.
The programme featured a concert, multiple military flyovers—including one by the new Air Force One aircraft—and a fireworks display that culminated in a dramatic finale shortly after midnight. Earlier in the evening, a thunderstorm forced the temporary evacuation of the National Mall, delaying the celebrations until the weather improved.
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