President Donald Trump largely stuck to his script during his roughly 40-minute July Fourth speech, as he reflected on American heroes, including Medal of Honor recipients and other veterans, and highlighted historic US flags.
Trump described the sacrifices of many, including Sgt. William Carney, a man who escaped slavery to become a Union soldier in the Civil War and who was awarded the Medal of Honor for protecting the American flag from touching the ground during battle.
Trump thanked “veterans of the war on communism,” including Marine Cpl. Pat Finn and Pfc. Rudy Meekins, who fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. He also honored Col. Paris Davis, a Vietnam War veteran, who walked out onstage to cheers.
“Because of heroes like these, our flag will always be a symbol of liberty and justice for all,” he said.
Trump displayed historic flags onstage at the National Mall, showcasing them throughout his speech.
“We are honored to have here tonight in the heart of our nation’s capital one of the very first American flags ever to exist. Dating back to 1777, it bears the 13 stars and 13 stripes of the 13 states that declared independence on the Fourth of July,” he said, adding, “these are flags that have seen a lot.”
Trump’s holiday remarks, which he billed as a “TRUMP RALLY,” marked a departure from his usual rally-style speeches, though he did muse on political topics, including his efforts to beautify Washington, the ills of communism and his proposed bill to overhaul federal elections.
The 45th and 47th president vowed to “take our country to new levels” on the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
“This is only the dawn of the golden age of America, and on this 250th Fourth of July, we declare, just as they did two and a half centuries ago, that for our country, and for our children, and for the cause of liberty, we are going to take our country to new levels, to levels not reached. We’re going to make it bigger, better, stronger, and we’re going to love it even more,” Trump said.