PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Welcome America festival marked the beginning of its final day with an appearance from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden in Old City.
The Philadelphia-area native delivered remarks at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at Independence Hall, which this year, celebrated people who helped the region through the COVID-19 crisis.
Dr. Ala Stanford, of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, accepted the Magis Award, the city's top award for community service, for the group's efforts during the pandemic, and received a personal congratulation from the first lady.
Biden's speech centered on a return to normalcy in time for the Fourth of July. She had the crowd on their feet as she spoke of a pledge from her husband, President Joe Biden.
"In the cold of winter, when we all felt like we were just holding our breath, wondering when things would get better, my husband President Biden made a promise to you, that if we all did our part by Independence Day, today, that we would be able to gather with our friends and family," she said. "And here we are, back together."
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Biden, who grew up in Willow Grove, also spoke of her area roots and the reputation Philadelphians have nationwide. "At times, people have told me that Philadelphians are tough, that we're outspoken and loud. And they said, 'And that's putting it nicely,'" she joked.
But that toughness, she said, helped the area weather the crisis.
"We're fierce. When we get knocked down, we get back up. And we never stop fighting for the things that we care about, and the people we love," she declared. "That tenacity, that resilience, that love for our community, is what got us through the worst of this pandemic."
The first lady offered examples of residents coming together during the pandemic, such as community refrigerators helping hungry families, and restaurants donating meals to overworked first responders.
Biden acknowledged, however, that the pandemic is not yet over, but she likened the current moment to clouds breaking.
"We're not at the finish line yet, but summer has never felt more full of possibility. And doesn't the air smell so much sweeter without our masks? Doesn't the murmur of the crowd sound like music after being isolated and alone? And doesn't the sun ... feel brighter without the shadow of the virus darkening our every thought?" she asked the crowd.
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One audience member, Amy came back to Philadelphia just to celebrate the holiday. She called the first lady's message inspired, and unexpected.
"I am excited," she said. "It was a nice surprise, I didn't know she was speaking today."
Jordan and his partner Jason were feeling the energy of the speech well after it was over.
"I'm just thrilled to be here," said Jordan. "We love it," added Jason. "You couldn't get any better."
The first lady closed by calling this Fourth of July a revolution in itself, and the start of "a chapter of hope."
"It feels that way because it is," she said. "It is a new beginning, a chance to learn from our past and build back better than before."