NEW YORK, Jul 05 (APP):Americans marked the 250th birthday with spectacular fireworks, flyovers, and some intense weather across the country, much of which has simmered under a searing heat wave for days. "The American dream is back," US President Donald Trump told a cheering crowd at a delayed rally on the National Mall in Washington before the reputed largest fireworks display ever in the US lit up the night. The …
Spectacular fireworks light up New York, other American cities as US marks 250 years of independence
NEW YORK, Jul 05 (APP):Americans marked the 250th birthday with spectacular fireworks, flyovers, and some intense weather across the country, much of which has simmered under a searing heat wave for days.
“The American dream is back,” US President Donald Trump told a cheering crowd at a delayed rally on the National Mall in Washington before the reputed largest fireworks display ever in the US lit up the night.
The city hosted a 40-minute, 850,000-shell display, while New York’s fireworks held fireworks across East and Hudson Rivers with a Brooklyn Bridge laser show. Internationally, Tokyo and Paris illuminated landmarks in US colours, underscoring the global reach of the celebrations.
“The world has seen the great empires, vast kingdoms, mighty nations, and terrible tyrants—they came and they went. But after two-and-a-half centuries, this American Republic still stands tall and strong. This American Flag still waves proud and free and beautiful,” he told crowds of people in his weather-delayed speech.
“We have thrived and flourished because our founders were great, our cause was just, our people are brave, our culture is exceptional, and our destiny is written by God.”
The president’s speech, which finished just before midnight, touched on political themes including the rejection of communism and the 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.”
Trump capped off his remarks by calling the moment “only the dawn of the golden age of America” with its destiny “written by God”.
Celebrations in the US capital and other cities were delayed because of a thunderstorm, which forced an evacuation of the National Mall in Washington earlier in the evening.
Guests attending the Salute to America, the Great American State Fair and FIFA fan zone were asked to seek temporary shelter in nearby buildings.
Once the storm had passed, festivities began again, including a flyover featuring the new Air Force One and a concert.
The grande finale – the fireworks show – was marked by a massive flurry of blasts, concluding at about 01:00 local time (10 am PST Sunday). The small crowd on Capitol Hill cheered before rapidly walking towards the exits as it began to rain.
In a message on the occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, congratulated the U.S. on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, underscoring close ties between the two countries.
