President Donald Trump on Thursday addressed the nation during his "Salute to America" speech, which focused on honoring the men and women who have served our nation.
A few military tankers surrounded the Lincoln Memorial, something Democrats have been outraged about over the last week.
The stage is being set by the Lincoln Memorial for President Trump’s @realDonaldTrump “Salute to America” address at 6:30pm. Video by Epoch Times reporter @charlottecuthbo#4thofjuly2019 #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/GHiOEJaOFv
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) July 4, 2019
Trump talked about the American spirit that has lived on throughout our nation's history.
"The same American spirit that emboldened our founders has kept us strong throughout our history. To this day, that spirit runs through the veins of every American patriot. It lives on in each and every one of you here today," Trump explained. "It is the spirit, daring and defiance, excellence and adventure, courage and confidence, loyalty and love, that built this country into the most exceptional country in the history of the world. Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before. It is its strongest now."
President Trump: "Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before -- it is its strongest now." #FourthofJuly #IndependenceDay #July4th #TrumpParade pic.twitter.com/k2S3gQWbEr
— The Hill (@thehill) July 4, 2019
The president used the opportunity to encourage young Americans to join the American military.
"The roll call of American patriots running all the way back to the first souls who fought and won American independence. Today, just as it did 243 years ago, the future of American freedom rests on the shoulders on men and women willing to defend it," Trump said as he recognized each individual branches of the Military. "...To young Americans across our country, now is your chance to join our military and make a truly great statement in life. And you should do it."
President Trump speaks at his Fourth of July event: "To young Americans across our country, now is your chance to join our military and make a truly great statement in life." https://t.co/izCdytFi8q pic.twitter.com/ykPIcliSjV
— CNN (@CNN) July 4, 2019
The celebration concluded with the United States Navy's Blue Angels performing:
The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform a flyover to conclude President Trump’s #SaluteToAmerica celebration. What a site! ????pic.twitter.com/cNaGvixuy0
— Kyle Morris (@RealKyleMorris) July 4, 2019
Here's a look at the crowd:
Pres Trump ended his 47 minute speech, mostly a tribute to America's Armed Forces, declaring that "the spirit of American independence will never fade, never fail, but reign forever and ever and ever." pic.twitter.com/5WyHX6SfRN
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) July 4, 2019