This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
On July 4, 2019, hundreds of thousands of Americans gathered on the National Mall in Washington for President Donald Trump's 'Salute to America' event, a celebration of the US military that has been criticized for its politicization of the US national day holiday.
Despite stifling heat, crowds continued to grow outside the Lincoln Memorial, a highly secured monument to the 19th-century president. A short cloudburst provided some relief to the spectators, but more storms were forecast for the Washington region, potentially threatening Trump's speech.
The event, officially open to the public, had a reserved section directly in front of Trump for VIP Republican donors and allies, as well as top military brass. Those without tickets were forced to watch on giant screens from outside at least two layers of fencing.
Trump's decision to make an address and turn the event into a celebration of the US military has angered his opponents and upset local Washington officials, accustomed to arranging July 4th events without political interference.
"What, I wonder, will Donald Trump say this evening when he speaks to the nation at an event designed more to stroke his ego than celebrate American ideals?" said leading Democratic White House contender Joe Biden in a speech in Iowa.
However, some visitors were enthusiastic about the event, with Dee Ranson, a 55-year-old from Florida, saying, "It's going to be fabulous, I'm excited. I think it's awesome, I think it shows courage and patriotic enthusiasm. He is not afraid."
Trump was scheduled to speak at 6:30 pm, ahead of a flyover aimed at displaying US air power. However, the address could be delayed by stormy weather.
Excerpts of the speech released ahead of time focused on unity and support for the armed forces. Trump was expected to say, "Today, we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag -- the brave men and women of the United States Military!"
Trump's original plan for a grand military parade was scaled back, with some US armored vehicles parked for display near the monument and a flyover featuring the modified Boeing 747 used as the president's Air Force One, as well as F-35s fighters and jets from the Navy's Blue Angels air show acrobatics team.
