Washington, July 5 (TIWN) US President Donald Trump has hailed the "brave men and women" of the US military in a speech at an Independence Day event in Washington DC.

"We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag," he told a crowd at a rain-soaked Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.  The "Salute to America" event featured military flyovers and fireworks. 

Opponents accused Mr Trump of wasting money and politicising the holiday ahead of his re-election campaign.  The Pentagon has not revealed the cost of the extravaganza, which many believe was inspired by Mr Trump's visit to a Bastille Day parade hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2017.  Some reports say the National Park Service diverted nearly $2.5m (£2m) to cover the cost.