What to know about July 4th celebrations and America 250:
- Historic celebrations took place across the United States this Fourth of July as Americans mark 250 years of independence. However, severe weather, including heat and storms, was putting a damper on the proceedings in several regions.
- The National Mall in Washington, D.C., which hosted the White House’s Freedom 250 Fourth of July celebrations, was evacuated Saturday night for several hours due to thunderstorms, delaying the festivities. Thousands of attendees were forced to evacuate to nearby federal buildings and museums. However, organizers later reopened the area and President Trump began his remarks after 11 p.m. Eastern Time ahead of a fireworks show billed as the largest in history.
- In Philadelphia, the One Philly: Unity Concert for America, featuring the likes of Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Will Smith, Seal and The Roots, was also halted due to severe weather. And Saturday morning, D.C.’s Independence Day parade was canceled due to heat.
Read more 6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
Read more Trump warns of “communist menace” in July Fourth speech at Mount Rushmore
Read more Trump announces pardons for pollution violators prosecuted for “fixing their car”