Celebrating July 4th Where It All Began
By Ian Bush
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A rousing ceremony at Independence Mall kicked off Philadelphia's activities to mark this 4th of July in America's birthplace.
It included music from the U.S. Army Band and a show of military might as jets zoomed overhead.
It was a 236th birthday party fitting of America, complete with new citizens taking the oath and a reminder to all Americans from the President...
"With the privilege of citizenship, though, comes great responsibilities," President Obama said via video.
Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winner Ellen Burstyn was there reading the rights outlined in the Declaration of Independence as was TV actor Hill Harper who read words George Washington wrote in 1790 that still inspire today.
"Everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid."
The celebration served as a reminder to everyone who attended, like Mitch who came up from Annapolis, what this holiday truly means.
"It reminds us of what we have to be thankful for," he said. "We are a blessed nation. We have to keep it that way."
