July 4 Celebrations Go Out With a Bang as Thousands Enjoy Washington Fireworks

People watch the fireworks display on the National Mall during Fourth of July festivities in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 2019. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

Independence Day 2019 celebrating marking the birth of the United States of America have been filled with parades, concerts, competitive eating and, of course, fireworks as people across the nation gathered to enjoy their hard-won freedom on the national holiday.

Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and other places around the country are holding massive celebrations with big-name artists like Jon Voight, Jennifer Hudson, Luke Bryan, and Carole King.

Despite the wet weather, thousands gathered in the nation’s capital to join President Donald Trump’s July 4 celebrations and to see the fireworks he promised would be the “biggest ever” in Washington history.

Fireworks explode over the Lincoln Memorial during the Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2019. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Fireworks explode over the Lincoln Memorial during the Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2019. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Fireworks seen from the Lincoln Memorial explode over the Potomac River for Independence Day , in Washington, on July 4, 2019. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

“Big 4th of July in D.C. ‘Salute to America.’ The Pentagon & our great Military Leaders are thrilled to be doing this & showing to the American people, among other things, the strongest and most advanced Military anywhere in the World. Incredible Flyovers & biggest ever Fireworks!” the President tweeted on July 2.

Before the fireworks extravaganza, Trump addressed the nation in July 4 speech to celebrate America’s heritage, praising members of the armed forces who lost their lives to defend the nation, and mapping an optimistic path for the years ahead.

“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 said facing a vast sea of faces gathered on the National Mall.

The US Navy Blue Angels flyover as President Donald Trump speaks during the "Salute to America" Fourth of July event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, July 4, 2019. SUSAN WALSH/AFP/Getty Images

“As we gather this evening in the joy of freedom, we remember that we all share a truly extraordinary heritage. Together, we are part of one of the greatest stories ever told—the story of America.”

Trump went on to applaud the accomplishments of the five branches of the U.S. Military, recounting each of their histories as military planes soared overhead.

U.S. President Donald Trump and the First Lady arrive at the "Salute to America" Fourth of July event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2019. NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

He also invoked the words of the Declaration of Independence, the nation’s founders, and historical figures who shaped the nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

“That same American Spirit that emboldened our founders has kept us strong throughout our history. To this day, that spirit runs through the veins of every American patriot. It lives on in each and every one of you,” the president said.

Fireworks light the sky near the Lincoln Memorial, in Washington on July 4, 2019. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Fireworks light the sky near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on July 4, 2019. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Fireworks seen from the Lincoln Memorial explode over the Potomac River for Independence Day, in Washington, on July 4, 2019. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Fireworks were also enjoyed in other cities, with New York’s East River lit up by the annual Macy’s fireworks on the Brooklyn Bridge.

People watch the annual Macy's fireworks show over the East River from Manhattan in New York City on July 4, 2019. Kena Betancur/Getty Images

With reporting by The Associated Press and Epoch Times reporter Ivan Pentchoukov.