Trump caps historic America250 celebration as largest-ever fireworks show lights up Washington

WASHINGTON, DC: Just after President Donald Trump finished his speech, thousands of spectators who had earlier braved storms and long lines looked up to see the Washington Monument lit up in red, white, and blue during what organizers billed as the nation's largest-ever fireworks display over the National Mall, the grand finale of America's 250th Independence Day celebration.

The massive pyrotechnic display capped a day marked by severe weather, military tributes and patriotic celebrations, with crowds returning to the National Mall after earlier evacuations to witness the historic finale.

A fighter jet roared low over the Mall to kick off the pyrotechnic show, immediately drawing a cheer from the crowd packed around the monument.

Crowds return to National Mall for America's largest-ever fireworks show

The evening's finale came after one of the most dramatic days in recent memory on the National Mall. Severe storms had swept through Washington hours earlier, forcing thousands to evacuate the grounds before the celebration could begin.

Many took shelter inside federal buildings nearby, including the US Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce, where crowds spontaneously broke into the national anthem while waiting out the rain.

Thousands returned in force once the storm cleared, lining up more than a mile down the street to reenter the grounds.

Among those who waited was Greg Buckless, 43, a tech worker from New Hampshire who had sheltered inside the Commerce Building for several hours before returning for Trump's speech and the fireworks.

"I came here expecting the greatest fireworks show in history and I got it," Buckless told NPR. "I would do this again. It's incredible."

Even National Guard troops and federal agents stationed at the event were seen recording the display on their phones.

Patriotic songs accompany record-setting fireworks finale

A live band on stage performed a string of crowd favorites throughout the celebration, including 'YMCA,' 'Livin' on a Prayer' and 'Don't Stop Believin',' as the fireworks continued overhead.

The music, combined with the visual spectacle above the monument, created what many in attendance described as an unforgettable scene.

Crowds quickly filed out of the Mall as the final bursts faded from the sky. Organizers had described the display in advance as a record-setting finale to the historic anniversary, with more shells fired over a longer duration than any previous Independence Day show on the National Mall.

The celebration marked the official conclusion of the America250 festivities in Washington, which had included Trump's address at Mount Rushmore the previous evening, a series of military flyovers, tributes to World War II and Korean War veterans, and the unveiling of two of the oldest surviving American flags.