President Donald Trump led a high-profile Freedom 250 rally in Washington as current and former leaders reflected on the country’s past, present and future, reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence on Friday with fireworks, military flyovers, concerts and community events across the country, although extreme heat and severe storms disrupted festivities in several states.
The Federal holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the 13 American colonies declared their independence from British rule. This year’s anniversary was marked by celebrations ranging from local block parties to large public events in Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles and other cities.
In Washington, President Donald Trump addressed supporters at a Freedom 250 rally on the National Mall before what organisers described as the largest fireworks display ever staged in the United States. The programme, which also included concerts and flyovers, was delayed after thunderstorms forced the temporary evacuation of the National Mall.
“The American dream is back,” Trump told the crowd.
His speech focused on themes that have featured prominently during his presidency, including opposition to communism, support for the Save America Act and the constitutional 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.”
Closing his address, Trump said: “This is only the dawn of the golden age of America” with its destiny “written by God”.
The fireworks display reached its climax shortly before 1am, with spectators on Capitol Hill applauding as the show ended in light rain. The Freedom 250 celebrations are separate from the bipartisan America 250 programme established by Congress. Critics have accused Trump of making himself the central figure in the anniversary and politicising the milestone through the launch of the Freedom 250 events.
Earlier in the evening, organisers asked visitors attending the Salute to America celebration, the Great American State Fair and the Fifa fan zone to seek temporary shelter as thunderstorms approached the capital. Washington had experienced temperatures of around 100F (37C) during the day as a prolonged heat wave continued across much of the eastern United States.
About 400 members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front were also seen marching through central Washington carrying US flags. Videos posted on social media and on the group’s Telegram channel showed masked members marching near the Capitol and Union Station. The organisation was founded in 2017 following the Unite the Right rally in Virginia.
Elsewhere, communities across the country took part in America 250 events, including “America’s Block Party”, while musicians performed at prominent landmarks. Performers included Ne-Yo and Mary J Blige in New York’s Times Square, The Smashing Pumpkins and Chaka Khan in Los Angeles, and Christina Aguilera and Will Smith in Philadelphia.
America 250 organisers also buried a time capsule, due to be opened in 200 years, containing a Coca-Cola bottle, a signed copy of the Constitution and artefacts from all 50 states and US territories.
All four living former US presidents also marked the anniversary with public messages.
Former President Joe Biden reflected on the Declaration of Independence, saying: “We chose that path 250 years ago but that’s where the work began, not where it ended.”
George W Bush urged civic participation, saying: “The next 250 years require Americans to be citizens, not spectators.” Bill Clinton acknowledged political divisions, saying: “Today, we celebrate this milestone amid another period of deep division, renewed questions about America’s future and role in the world, and serious threats to our own institutions and to our democracy itself.”
Barack Obama also reflected on the country’s future, saying: “There’s more to do to fulfil the nation’s founding ideals. Every generation must take up the unfinished work of the last and carry it further, protecting what’s right, fixing what’s wrong, and making our union a little more perfect.”
