INDEPENDENCE MALL (WPVI) -- They celebrated the nation's birthday where it all began: on Independence Mall.
The patriotism was palpable as 15 year-old Bobby Hill, who rose to fame during the papal visit, sang The Star-spangled Banner, kicking off the Celebration of Freedom ceremony at Independence Hall.
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Hundreds lined the lawn for America's birthday celebration.
The ceremony also featured several Philadelphia-born and -raised celebrities, including Leslie Odom, Jr. of the Broadway hit 'Hamilton' and Tom Clerics of abc's 'How to Get Away with Murder.'
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They read excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.
It was all a fitting prelude to the annual Independence Day Parade.