The United States marked its 250th Independence Day with fireworks, concerts, flyovers and public gatherings, but several celebrations were disrupted by thunderstorms, extreme heat and power outages across parts of the country.
According to BBC, President Donald Trump addressed supporters at a delayed rally on the National Mall in Washington, DC, where he declared that “the American dream is back” before a major fireworks display.
The July 4 holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the 13 American colonies in 1776, ending British rule.
Trump’s speech touched on political themes, including opposition to communism, support for the Save America Act and the right to bear arms.
“Long live the cause of independence. 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,” he said.
The celebrations in Washington were earlier delayed by thunderstorms, forcing guests at the Salute to America event, the Great American State Fair and the FIFA fan zone to seek temporary shelter.
Activities later resumed with a flyover featuring the new Air Force One, a concert and a fireworks display that ended in the early hours of the morning.
However, some Independence Day events were cancelled or suspended because of dangerous heat across the US East Coast.
Washington recorded temperatures of about 100°F, while parts of New Jersey and Delaware also experienced extreme heat. Power outages also affected hundreds of thousands of homes in states including Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and New Jersey.
Beyond Washington, communities across the country held local celebrations under the America 250 programme, including concerts, block parties and naturalisation ceremonies.
At Mount Vernon in Virginia, 150 people from 50 countries became US citizens during a naturalisation ceremony.
Former presidents also released messages to mark the milestone, with Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton reflecting on democracy, citizenship and the country’s future.
Clinton said the anniversary came at a time of “deep division” and renewed questions about America’s democracy and global role.
