President Biden during a Fourth of July BBQ event to celebrate Independence Day at the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
President Joe Biden used his Fourth of July speech Sunday to declare that the U.S. is "closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus."
What he's saying: "This year, the Fourth of July is a day of special celebration," Biden said before a crowd of 1,000 essential workers and military families. "For we are emerging from the darkness of years. A year pandemic and isolation.
- "A year of pain, fear, and heart-breaking loss. Just think back to where this nation was a year ago. Think back to where you were a year ago. And think about how far we've come."
- Biden noted that "the battle against COVID-19" is not over. "We've got a lot more work to do," he added.
The big picture: The Biden administration appears to have fallen just short of the U.S. goal of vaccinating 70% of American adults with at least one dose by July 4.
- CDC figures released Friday showed about 67% of the adult population had received at least one dose of the vaccine, while some 47% have had two.
Go deeper... In photos: Americans enjoy July 4 celebrations after 2020 pandemic cancelations