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A celebration of patriotism, not politics — that’s what U.S. President Donald Trump is promising Americans for this year’s Fourth of July celebrations in Washington.
Trump has vowed to put on “a show of a lifetime” this Independence Day, complete with tanks, bombers and other military machinery.
Trump gave a speech called “A Salute to America” at the National Mall in the nation’s capital Thursday evening. He praised America’s history while reciting a number of the country’s accomplishments, such as landing on the moon 50 years ago, and promised that an American flag will be planted on Mars “very soon.”
WATCH: Protesters bring giant inflated ‘baby Trump’ balloon to Fourth of July parade
He paused a number of times while jets from each branch of the U.S. armed forces flew above him and the crowd.
The celebrations kicked off earlier in the day in Washington at 11:45 a.m. with a parade chockfull of marching bands and men and women in uniform. An afternoon downpour drenched the crowds.
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The parade also attracted some protesters who say they are unhappy with the president’s military-themed events. They inflated a giant balloon depicting Trump as a baby wearing a diaper and let it float nearby the parade route.
Washington has always held an Independence Day parade and fireworks display, but this year’s edition features some Trump tweaks.
One tweak was his speech — Trump was the first president in nearly seven decades to address a crowd at the National Mall on Independence Day.
The flaunting of the U.S. military is also new, with military personnel and equipment front and centre. A 21-gun salute was on the docket, as well as a flyover by the presidential Air Force One aircraft.
Following the speech, fireworks lit up the skies. Trump said the events will cost “very little compared to what it is worth” and said the 40-minute fireworks display was donated. To date, a final cost for the flashy display has not been confirmed by the administration.
-With files from the Associated Press
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