Philadelphia

Pitbull and Fireworks Light Up Philly on July 4th

Grammy-winning artist Pitbull lit Philadelphia's Ben Franklin Parkway on fire with a set of remixed favorites and new songs at the climax of the Wawa Welcome America festivities on the Ben Franklin Parkway Wednesday.

The rapper touted his Cuban heritage and called for unity on the nation's birthday, in its birthplace.

"We all bleed the same blood, breathe the same air, but what better than to celebrate freedom here in the USA in a city like Philadelphia," he said to NBC10 before taking the stage.

Pitbull and NBC10’s Vai Sikahema were buddy-buddy before the international superstar took the stage at the finale of the Wawa Welcome America festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

"The world can talk what they wanna talk, but everybody wants to be a part of the United States," he said. "Me personally being a first-generation Cuban-American, I can tell you that my family fought really hard for me to be able to enjoy something priceless, which is freedom."

Several other times he called for unity during his set, which included hits like "Tinder," "Fireball" and "Give Me Everything."

Sights From the 2018 July 4th Concert And Fireworks

The night ended with fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art, including some that spelled L-O-V-E for the City of Brotherly Love.

Earlier in the day, the City of Philadelphia’s Office of the City Representative and Independence National Historical Park presented the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at Independence Hall.

The Philly POPS were honored for their 40-year history in Philadelphia, and Mayor Jim Kenney presented the Magis Award to Giana Graves, a 22-year-old advocate for the transgender community.

The Wawa Foundation presented The Wawa Foundation Hero Award of $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.

The Visit Philadelphia float has arrived representing the Wawa Welcome America theme “Welcoming The World With Love.” Friends from NBC10 and Telemundo62 tagged along as well to participate in the celebration during the United States of America's Independence Day Parade.
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