The fireworks show at Mount Rushmore pulled out all the stops, from the Air Force Academy Band to a visit from the president. Crowds reacted loudly, and in support of, the speeches on display for America’s 250 anniversary.
It was a packed day at Mount Rushmore Friday, as visitors from across the nation descended on the memorial to celebrate 250 years of American history.
President Donald Trump, while not endorsing Gov. Larry Rhoden in the Republican runoff election, thanked South Dakota’s incumbent administration. Then, turned to praise the nation and South Dakota in a roughly half-hour speech.
“Here in the Black Hills of the Dakotas, after 250 years, American freedom still rings,” Trump said. “The American dream still lives, and the American flag still flies more proudly than ever before over the people who will not quit, the nation who will not fail, the county that will not fall.”
Visiting Rapid City before his speech, Rhoden said his relationship with the President is both effective and productive.
“When Trump went back into office, it was like a light switch went on,” Rhoden said. “Suddenly, we were able to accomplish things with our federal agencies. We can call and get results, and we’ve accomplished some pretty significant things in the last year since Trump’s been in office.”
Onstage though, Rhoden, who walked out to the Rawhide theme song, enjoyed a light razz on a neighbor.
“There’s one more man I’d like to thank, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum,” Rhoden said. “Of course, Doug is from our neighbor to the north. So, Doug, welcome to the better Dakota.”
Beyond that though, Rhoden said his families deep military experience is quintessentially American.
“Defending freedom requires a sacrifice from the brave men and women in uniform, but it also takes everyday Americans. It takes elected leaders who know their duty, and put American freedom first,” Rhoden said.
Unlike the last Mount Rushmore fireworks show and Trump visit in 2020, there was no major protest that took place in conjunction with the event.