Atlanta, USA (CNN) -- U.S. President Donald Trump largely stuck to his prepared remarks in a nearly 40-minute speech on Independence Day, July 4, honoring American heroes — including Medal of Honor recipients and other veterans — as historic American flags were highlighted.

Trump recalled the sacrifices of many, including Sergeant William Carney, who escaped slavery to become a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War and received the Medal of Honor for preventing the American flag from touching the ground during battle.

Trump thanked 'veterans of the war against communism,' including Marine Corporal Pat Finn and Private Ruddy Mikes, who fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. He also honored Colonel Paris Davis, a Vietnam War veteran, who came on stage to cheers from the crowd.

Trump said, 'Thanks to heroes like these, our flag will always be a symbol of freedom and justice for all.'

Trump displayed historic flags on the stage at the National Mall, highlighting them throughout his speech.

Trump said, 'It is our honor to place here tonight, in the heart of our nation's capital, one of the earliest American flags in existence. This flag dates back to 1777, bearing the 13 stars and 13 stripes that represent the 13 states that declared independence on July 4,' adding, 'These flags have seen so much.'

Trump's remarks — which he described as a 'Trump rally' — marked a departure from his usual campaign-style speeches, though he touched on political topics, including his efforts to beautify Washington, the drawbacks of communism, and the bill he proposed to reform the federal election system.

The 45th and 47th U.S. president pledged to 'bring our country to new heights' on the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.

Trump said, 'This is but the dawn of America's Golden Age, and on the Fourth of July, 250 years from now, we will declare — just as they did two and a half centuries ago — that for our country, for our children, and for the cause of freedom, we will bring our country to new heights we have never reached, we will make it greater, better, stronger, and we will love it more.'