🎶 “AS THE FIREWORKS FILLED THE SKY, ONE CLASSIC SONG BROUGHT THE ENTIRE CELEBRATION TO LIFE” As an estimated 850,000 fireworks illuminated the sky during America’s 250th birthday celebration, the U.S. Army Band delivered a powerful performance of Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” adding an unforgettable soundtrack to the spectacular display.

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On July 4, 1776, some courageous colonists signed the Declaration of Independence.

Today, 250 years later, the valor and bravery of those who fought and died to bring about — and then keep — the experiment of our Republic are celebrated.

Annually, fireworks are part of the July 4 tradition, but the semiquincentennial has brought the Independence Day festivities to new heights.

In Washington, D.C., this is being marked with, what President Donald Trump has promised, will be “the largest fireworks display in world history.”

Gathered on the Washington Monument Grounds at the National Mall, the “Salute To America” was put on by Freedom 250 — a culmination of months of celebrations and commemorations.

In the weeks and months leading up to this occasion have been filled with patriotic displays, including breathtaking military flyovers, a one-of-a-kind UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House, the kick off of the Great American State Fair, and more.

Now, the special day is finally here.

RELATED: Dazzling Military Flyovers Honor 250 Years Of American Freedom

Lee Greenwood Introduces Trump Ahead Of His July 4 “Salute To America” Speech

Following a rain delay, which pushed the start of the Salute To America from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the show went on, with President Trump writing on Truth Social:

“Our great veterans, especially the old timers, many of whom are there, went through hellfire, and it didn’t stop them. It’s not going to stop us either! I’m not going to let some rain stop our 250th.”

He even followed that post up by announcing at 10:06 p.m. that he had arrived, writing:

President Trump posted he had arrived at “Salute To America” following a significant rain delay. (Image: Donald Trump / Truth Social)

Christopher Macchio, often referred to as “America’s tenor” by Trump, kicked the event off at 11 p.m., singing “Ave Maria” and Puccini’s “Nessun dorma.”

He also led the audience in singing “God Bless America,” encouraging the audience to join by saying, “Let the president hear you!”

Of course, country artist Lee Greenwood was on hand to sing “God Bless The USA,” which has been a staple of Trump rallies and events for the past decade of his involvement in politics.

Greenwood was joined by a choir of service members.

See some of the performance, here:

Trump Delivers Speech Celebrating History While Championing American Freedom

Trump’s speech looked to the past, while also celebrating the present moment, with the achievement of 250 years of American freedom being foregrounded.

Several veterans were recognized during Trump’s speech.

Among them were 107-year-old Art Rose, who was at D-Day in 1944 and recently read his powerful letter home while at the 2026 D-Day ceremony in Normandy, France.

Don Graves, who is 101, was also at the Salute To America, and he is a veteran of the iconic World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. Last year, for his 100th birthday, Graves had a song he wrote about that battle recorded by country stars Lee Greenwood and John Rich, making Graves the oldest signed songwriter in history.

That song, titled “The Sand of Iwo Jima,” can be heard, here.

Trump also showed off one of the first American flags.