The United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence with fireworks, military flyovers and patriotic events across the country on Saturday, but the historic milestone was shaped as much by severe weather as by national pride.
In Washington, DC, Donald Trump, United States president, headlined the country’s biggest anniversary event with a campaign style speech on the National Mall after thunderstorms forced a delay of nearly two hours and prompted a temporary evacuation of the area.
Read also: America turns 250 as celebrations meet political tensions, extreme heat
Speaking before a fireworks display that he described as the largest in the world, Trump declared that “the American dream is back” and portrayed the anniversary as the beginning of what he called a new era for the country.
“Long live the cause of independence,” he told supporters. “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.”
