President Trump delivers July 4 address honoring veterans and historic flags amid weather delays

President Donald Trump addressed the crowd on the National Mall for the nation’s 250th birthday, spending roughly 40 minutes honoring military veterans and historic American flags. He cited Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. William Carney, who escaped slavery to fight for the Union, and thanked veterans of the Korean War’s Battle of Chosin Reservoir, as well as Vietnam veteran Col. Paris Davis, who received cheers when he appeared onstage. > "Because of heroes like these, our flag will always be a symbol of liberty and justice for all," Trump said.

During the remarks, Trump displayed several early U.S. flags, noting that one dated to 1777 bore the original 13 stars and stripes. He linked the celebration to the country’s founding and declared that “America is back” and “winning like never before.”

The speech also included a brief pitch for the SAVE America Act, a federal election-reform bill that would require voter identification and limit mail-in ballots to specific circumstances. Trump urged Congress to approve the measure, saying it would prevent election fraud.

The event was delayed by severe weather, prompting the Secret Service to evacuate the Mall and re-screen attendees. Gates reopened later in the evening, and fireworks followed the president’s remarks. Several spectators described the conditions as challenging, but many remained to watch the display.

Separately, a Delta Airlines flight approaching Chicago Midway reported a loud bang that the pilot described as a “firework” impact at 200 feet altitude. The aircraft landed safely and is undergoing inspection.

In New York City, small fires broke out on the Brooklyn Bridge after a fireworks show, prompting a response from the fire department. No injuries were reported.