President Donald Trump has hailed the “brave men and women” of the US military during a speech at a controversial Independence Day event.
“We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag,” he told a crowd at a rain-soaked Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.
The Independence Day fireworks explode over the Washington DC skyline, as seen from Arlington, Virginia, USA, 04 July 2019. EPA-EFE/MICHAEL REYNOLDS
The “Salute to America” event featured military flyovers and fireworks.
Attendees cheer as Blue Angel fighter jets fly overheard during a Fourth of July celebration event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, USA, 04 July 2019. The ‘Salute to America’ Fourth of July activities include remarks by US President Donald J. Trump, a parade, military flyovers and fireworks. EPA-EFE/AL DRAGO / POOL
Opponents accused Mr Trump of wasting money and politicising the holiday ahead of his re-election campaign.
The Pentagon has not revealed the cost of the extravaganza, which many believe was inspired by Mr Trump’s visit to a Bastille Day parade hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2017.
US President Donald J. Trump (L) and First Lady Melania Trump (R) during Independence Day celebrations at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, USA, 04 July 2019. . EPA-EFE/ERIK S. LESSER
Some reports say the National Park Service diverted nearly $2.5m to cover the cost.
Traditional Catholic Nun Sister Margaret Mary poses with a child for a photo during a Fourth of July parade and celebration at the Motherhouse of the Daughters of Mary Convent in Round Top, New York, USA, 04 July 2019. The Fourth of July is the annual US celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from Britain. EPA-EFE/MATT CAMPBELL
