JD Vance hits out at critics of America's 'imperfections' on US 250th anniversary

US Vice President JD Vance used his July Fourth address on Saturday to criticise those who dwell on America's "imperfections," arguing that such voices fail to understand the country's character as the United States marked the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence.

Speaking aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbour, Vance said a vocal minority preferred to focus on the nation's shortcomings instead of its achievements.

"You will hear a couple small but loud voices today speak obsessively not of our national greatness, but of our national imperfections," he said.

Vance accused such critics of highlighting "America's sins" with passion but without "the grace or forgiveness" central to the Christian faith, adding that they "misunderstand the essence of America."

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As tall ships from more than 20 countries sailed into New York Harbour as part of the anniversary celebrations, the vice president urged Americans to avoid reducing either their fellow citizens or their country to simplistic narratives.

The remarks closely mirrored President Donald Trump's July Fourth speech a day earlier, in which he accused "radicals and extremists" of threatening American identity and warned of what he called a renewed "communist menace."

The back-to-back speeches underscored the political overtones surrounding the United States' semiquincentennial celebrations, even as communities across the country marked the historic milestone with parades, flyovers and other patriotic events.

In New York, military aircraft, including the US Navy's Blue Angels, performed flyovers above the harbour, leaving trails in the colours of the American flag.

Celebrations, however, unfolded amid an intense heatwave across the eastern United States. In New York City, the heat index — which combines temperature and humidity — climbed to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) by mid-afternoon.

For Americans, the 250th anniversary festivities offer a moment for reflection as well as celebration.

After two and a half centuries of triumphs and tragedies, slavery and freedom, civil war and world wars, multiple surveys indicate a nation divided about where it is and where it's going.

A Quinnipiac University Poll showed 61 percent of Americans thought the US was not living up to the ideals stated in the Declaration of Independence -- though most Republicans think it does, and most Democrats think it doesn't.

Outside Washington, New York is hosting an international parade of tall ships, with flyovers and its own massive fireworks display. Vance spoke there from the deck of the USS Kearsarge.

In Philadelphia, lines formed early despite the heat to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

For Loselie Weber, who was visiting Washington from Texas, the holiday inspires gratitude.

"As an immigrant -- a legal immigrant -- I came when I was seven years old, and I've been thankful, very thankful to be able to have the privilege of living here and the freedom that it has offered me," Weber told AFP.

With inputs from agencies