With a speech that was more political than historical, US President Donald Trump, the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence began yesterday, Wednesday.

Trump used the event at the National Mall to praise a country he often says he has restored to its former glory, ahead of Independence Day on July 4.

“As we stand on the threshold of our 250th year of independence, I am thrilled to declare that America is back,” Trump said before thousands of people while speaking from behind bulletproof glass since the danger of another assassination attempt is real. “As you know, not long ago we were a dead country. Now we are the most exciting country in the world,” he emphasized, assuring the crowd that his administration is delivering “one victory after another to the American people.”

“Just like those patriots of 1776, over the past 17 months we have taken back power from a political class that had become alienated from the people,” the U.S. president emphasized.

The crowd that had gathered at the National Mall consisted mainly of ardent supporters of the Republican President.

Donald Trump “is fighting for the American dream,” said 57-year-old Barbara Van Ripper.

U.S. military aircraft, including the B-2 bomber and F-35 fighter jets, flew through the sky, while the Marine Corps Band played.

The U.S. president spoke enthusiastically about the various projects he has launched in Washington, such as the new ballroom he wants to build at the White House, his plans for a grand arch reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, as well as the project that has been in the spotlight recently, the reflective pool at the Lincoln Memorial.