President Donald Trump commemorated America’s 250th anniversary with a speech and fireworks at Mount Rushmore. His 28-minute address emphasized American perseverance and vigor.

“The American dream still lives, and the American flag still flies more proudly than ever before over the people who will not quit,” he stated. “The nation that will not fail, the country that will not fall no matter how hard the enemy tries, we cannot be beaten.”

While Trump addressed the crowd, elsewhere in the world, Iranians mourned Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with funeral ceremonies echoing calls for revenge on the U.S.

In his speech, Trump highlighted American exceptionalism:

“Americans honor excellence; we admire boldness; we respect ambition. We are a nation of dreamers and believers, warriors and explorers, doers and fighters, and in every human endeavor, Americans see an unfinished competition.”

He conveyed a sense of progress and determination:

“What is strong can be made stronger. What is fast can be made faster. What is great can be made greater than ever before. And that’s what’s happening with America.”

Trump also emphasized American resolve:

“Show us a mountain, and we’ll climb it. Show us an ocean, and we’ll cross it. Show us a problem, and we will solve it. Show us a task the world calls impossible, and Americans will get it done.”

The president culminated his speech with a vision for America’s future:

“Tomorrow we reach a milestone like no other and celebrate with joyful hearts and soaring spirits, because after two and a half centuries, we know this is not an ending. This is only the beginning of the Golden Age of America. And together we will make America bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.”

Trump’s address ended with a promising message:

“I promise you that it’s an honor to be your president. Thank you very much, and Happy Independence Day to all. God bless you all.”

The festivities included a fireworks display over the iconic Mount Rushmore, accompanied by quotes from past presidents and patriotic music. The fireworks lasted for 23 minutes, synchronizing with historical quotes and well-known American music.

Quotes included pieces from Washington’s inaugural address, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and Kennedy’s famous call to service:

“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”

The display also included a nod to recent presidential speeches, concluding with quotations from Trump’s own inaugurals and State of the Union addresses.

The celebrations at Mount Rushmore ended with Trump promising an extended address in Washington, D.C., accompanied by what he claimed would be “the largest fireworks display in world history.”