See the highlights from President Trump’s ‘Salute to America’

This Fourth of July, President Donald J. Trump stood just below the Lincoln Memorial steps and delivered an Independence Day address to a crowd stretching across the National Mall and all the way to the Washington Monument.

“Today, we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag—the brave men and women of the United States Military,” President Trump said.

“Together, we are part of one of the greatest stories ever told: the story of America.”

Watch: The best moments from President Trump’s “Salute to America”

From our Founding Fathers to modern-day heroes, that story is comprised of Americans who have made sacrifices large and small for this nation. Seated just behind President Trump on Thursday were some of these individuals—many of whom the President recognized during his speech.

Dr. Emil Freireich, for example, pioneered treatments for leukemia. Before his work, 99 percent of children diagnosed with that terrible disease died. Today, 90 percent of kids with the most common forms of leukemia will survive, thanks largely to Dr. Freireich’s medical breakthroughs.

“That same American spirit that emboldened our founders has kept us strong throughout our history,” President Trump said. “It lives on in each and every one of you here today.”

At its heart, “Salute to America” showcased the revived strength and vigor of our armed forces. Each of the five military branches featured flyovers along the National Mall, and the event concluded with an incredible run by the famed U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

“Nearly 250 years ago, a volunteer army of farmers and shopkeepers, blacksmiths, merchants, and militiamen risked life and limb to secure American liberty and self-government,” the President said. “This evening, we have witnessed the noble might of the warriors who continue that legacy.”

President Trump: “The future belongs to the brave, the strong, the proud, and the free.”

Marc Thiessen: Trump made his critics look small during his ‘Salute to America’

The Trump Economy shatters expectations . . . again.

Just one day after Salute to America, last week’s jobs report delivered more great news on America’s comeback under President Trump. Yet again, the U.S. economy beat “expert” predictions—proving that pro-growth policies are delivering for American workers.

Job creation remains strong, with the 224,000 jobs added in June far surpassing the 162,000 predicted. Just as important, families are seeing an uptick in wages, with an increase of 3.1 percent over the past year, according to the Labor Department.

The nation’s unemployment rate is near 50-year lows. The latest 3.7 percent mark makes for 16 consecutive months with unemployment at or below 4 percent.

Despite the critics’ negative predictions, America’s economic outlook remains rock solid. Since President Trump was elected in 2016, more than 6 million jobs have been added, and that number continues to rise as more and more Americans join the labor force.

Behind the numbers: The latest great jobs report in the Trump Economy