President Donald Trump gave a campaign-style speech, lauding his administration’s accomplishments and boasting American prestige, at the kickoff of The Great American State Fair, which drew thousands of spectators to the National Mall Wednesday.

Trump spoke for about 30 minutes at the two and half-hour long event— which featured military flyovers and musical performances — telling the thousands of Americans donning Trump apparel about the “greatness” of American civilization and how his administration thus far has contributed to its success. The event marked the beginning of The Great American State Fair, a 16-day event hosted by Trump’s Freedom 250 organization leading up to America’s semiquincentennial, which will feature 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories.

Trump took the stage just before 9 p.m., following country singer Lee Greenwood’s performance of “God Bless the U.S.A.” Trump spent the first half of his speech highlighting his achievements, including the “historic” ending of the war in Iran, improvements in the economy — like lowering gas prices — his sweeping immigration policies and his administration’s efforts to “repair and beautify” the nation’s capital. 

“For many years, our country was ruled by politicians who let America and its capital fall into decline and total disrepair,” Trump said. “The city, named in honor of General George Washington, was turned into a national disgrace. But not anymore.”

Trump compared the United States to “great civilizations of history,” like Athens and Rome, which he said have created legacies that continue to inspire the world. He said Americans should be proud of their heritage and continue to “expand its glory.”

“We are the ones who are carrying forward the light of Western civilization, because this is the very beginning of the golden age of America,” Trump said. “We’re in the golden age.”

Closing out his speech, Trump told the crowd they will make America powerful, wealthy, healthy, strong, proud, safe and great again in a replication of his campaign slogan that was met with thunderous applause from the thousands of attendees. He also highlighted America’s past historical achievements, like victories in both World Wars and landing a man on the moon. 

“We did it all in the span of 250 years,” Trump told the crowd. “Now we are expanding the glory of American freedom into a horizon that’s never been seen before. We’ve never reached so high as we’re reaching right now.”

Trump decided to headline the kickoff event earlier this month after nearly all the musical acts set to perform at the concert series for the fair, including The Commodores, Martina McBride, Morris Day and Young MC, pulled out. Many artists claimed they were led to believe the event would be nonpartisan before realizing it was organized by Freedom 250, a White House organization.

Attendees donned red, white and blue attire and wore hats reading “America is Back,” and “Make America Great Again,” while others carried American flag placards that volunteers distributed. Speakers, including multiple Trump administration officials, and military flyovers energized the crowd throughout the rally, with Trump’s speech interrupted by cheers from the crowd multiple times.

The stage stood west of the Washington Monument, flanked by two large screens that broadcast close-up footage of the speakers, with the U.S. Marine Band sat behind the podium. 

The event also included remarks from CEO and founder of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation Frank Siller — whose non-profit supports the families of first responders who passed away during 9/11 — and retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, as well as performances from singer Christopher Macchio and military bands.

David Boretti, an attendee from Baltimore, Maryland, said he came to the event with his family because he thought it was an “awesome” opportunity to explore and visit D.C. He said the founding principles of the United States are some of the best of any country, especially due to its strong first and second amendment rights.

Boretti said while the Trump administration has overall done a good job of uphold these “God-given rights,” the administration has unfairly clamped down on criticism against Israel by calling it antisemitic, which he said is a violation of the first amendment’s free speech guarantee. 

“You have the right as an American to criticize any country you want,” Boretti said. “So, any aspects of the administration that are trying to clamp down on that are clamping down on your First Amendment rights, and that’s never acceptable.”

In the event’s opening remarks, Chief of Protocol of the United States Monica Crowley welcomed attendees to the kickoff celebration of a “truly one-in-a-lifetime” event that she said will inspire a new-era of “American greatness.” She said the event serves to honor the country’s history and freedoms and look towards the future with optimisim.

“Visitors from all 50 states and all over the world will come to our sparkling capital city to experience the national mall like never before, and while they are here, they will form lifelong memories of America’s big 250th birthday party and gain a renewed sense of pride in our exceptional country,” Crowley said.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum thanked the U.S. Park Police for maintaining the United States’ parks and monuments in his speech. He said the ability to carve out one’s own accomplishments at the face of great adversity is core to the American spirit.

“Americans have crossed oceans, settled frontiers, built communities, raised families, defended liberty,” Burgum said. “Through innovation, not regulation, they’ve created enormous prosperity, making us the most abundant and richest country in the world.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Americans should embrace faith and family as part of their celebrations. He said modern culture has discouraged young people from having children in favor of pursuing careers, but a recent “revival” has led many to “seek truth” by attending church.

Duffy praised Trump, calling him the greatest U.S. President since George Washington, and added that the military band performances were much better than the performers that canceled their performances at the event.

“As we celebrate today, and we look at what makes us great, but we also think about what is going to make this country great for the next 250 years, that is going to be rooted in the strength of our families in our hearts full of faith and grateful to God for what He has given us,” Duffy said.

Renee, an attendee from Virginia who did not share her last name, said following the event that the United States’ “greatest days” will begin because of Trump. She said she envisions a future where young Americans focus more on improving society, rather than being critical of the country’s history.

“All of us are going to die one day,” Renee said. “Are we gonna do something that improves our future for our children, or are we gonna keep turning back and say, ‘but look at what they did wrong?’”

Renee said there are no racial or political divisions in the nation, as everyone is free to live their lives as they want. She said celebrating the United States matters because the country embodies freedom for the rest of the world.

“This is why this freedom celebration is so huge in the hearts of Americans,” Renee said. “It’s not an American thing about all nations. When America is free, all these other countries are free.”