Americans from all over the country gathered in Washington on July 4 to celebrate the 248th anniversary of American independence. The day started with the National Independence Day Parade, where attendees from nearby states like Washington, Virginia, and Maryland, as well as those who traveled from far away places, came together in the capital city. Tanish Moodra flew in from Houston, Texas to witness the parade and spoke about the opportunities America provides for personal growth.
Robert and Iris, who traveled from Seattle, expressed their gratitude for being in the “freest country in the world” and highlighted the unity that comes with celebrating Independence Day. Air Force Col. Cindy Dawson, among the service members in the parade, emphasized the freedoms that America stands for and the pride she feels in representing the nation.
Parade-goers mentioned values like opportunity, freedom, and diversity when asked what America means to them. Andrew Wade, a naturalized American from the UK, appreciated the freedoms and opportunities available in the country. The National Archives hosted a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by fireworks shows in and around the capital.
Lawmakers also joined in the celebrations, with messages from House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. President Joe Biden addressed military service members at a barbecue at the White House, emphasizing America’s foundation on the idea of equality for all. Please rewrite this sentence.
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