JAKARTA - The United States on Saturday (4/7) local time commemorated its 250 years of independence with President Donald Trump stressing that his country excels in military power and various other fields.
"There's nothing that can be like us," he said.
Before Trump delivered his evening speech at the National Mall in Washington, a series of celebrations were held across the country, including military aircraft attractions and fireworks shows.
However, some events were disrupted by record-breaking extreme heat waves, followed by bad weather.
Temperatures in the eastern and central United States reached around 40 degrees Celsius during the day, so the large parade in the capital was canceled and a number of other celebrations in other areas were also affected.
A severe thunderstorm warning was then issued, prompting authorities to order thousands of people to leave the "Salute to America 250" event site just hours before Trump's speech, who seemed to want to be the center of attention in the historic celebration.
"No nation has done more for good, shown more courage, recorded more progress, corrected more injustices, or achieved greater glory than the American people," Trump told the crowd, "after they were finally allowed back on the National Mall.
He also stated that for 250 years the United States has been the hope, the promise, the light, and the pride among the nations of the world.
"Around the world, they are trying to be like us. No one can be like us, and with God's help, we will always be like this or even get better," he said.
The commemoration of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776 from Britain took place amid strong political polarization in the country.
Critics have accused Trump of deepening political divisions and turning the 250th anniversary of independence into a political event.
Ahead of the midterm congressional elections, which will take place in about four months, Trump previously said his appearance on the National Mall, which stretches from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, would be the "most spectacular" rally.
After the speech, a performance was held which Trump called "the biggest fireworks show in history" featuring more than 850,000 fireworks effects. The show ended about 40 minutes after midnight.
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