Extreme heat bears down as 250th celebrations begin | Live updates

President Donald Trump kicked off a weekend of celebrations for America's 250th birthday with a speech at Mount Rushmore on Friday.

Ahead of the trip, the White House suggested Trump could be an "addition" to the mountain where the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are etched.

"There would be no better addition to the iconic Mount Rushmore than the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement to ABC News.

Trump has previously mused about putting his likeness on the granite peak. He called it a "good idea" on social media in 2020. But so far in his second term, there's been no significant movement toward making that a reality.

The White House did not respond to questions about whether there are actual plans to add the president's likeness to Mount Rushmore and, if so, in what capacity.

Trump flew to Keystone, South Dakota, on the newly retrofitted Air Force One 747, a gift from the Qatari royal family. The president used the jet for the first time earlier this week for a trip to North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

Upon his arrival, Air Force One conducted a flyover over Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota ahead of the president's remarks.

The Mount Rushmore festivities also include performances by military bands and tributes to the Armed Services. It will culminate in a large fireworks display, the first fireworks show at the national memorial in years, according to the National Park Service.

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"World News Tonight" anchor David Muir kicked off ABC News' celebration of America's 250th birthday by climbing up through Lady Liberty's right arm to reach the torch, standing over 300 feet in the air.

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Holiday weekend celebrations along the Jersey shore drew packed beaches, busy boardwalks and early fireworks as visitors welcomed the start of the Fourth of July festivities.

America's birthday weekend began with a bang, with spectators dressed in red, white and blue gathering for a pre-fireworks concert in Stone Harbor. Jim Bannach and the BLT Orchestra performed.

Angela Shaw of Ocean City and Bannach's girlfriend said the patriotic atmosphere moved her.

Fireworks, heat and heavy crowds mark start of holiday weekend

"It's heartwarming. I was raised in a very patriotic family - veterans, my dad was a veteran. It just brings tears to your eyes," she said.

For Nancy Stutzman, who shares a birthday with the nation, the holiday has long been a special tradition. And for her husband, Tom Stutzman of Williamsport, it allows for an easy birthday gift!

"I always got her the fireworks and the band," he said.

Nancy Stutzman recalled celebrating the country's bicentennial decades ago.

"It's great, I remember years ago when we celebrated 200 in Williamsport - there was a huge parade and we had just gotten married," she said.

In Wildwood, the boardwalk's nostalgic pull brought back longtime visitors. Angie DeRolf of Mullica Hill returned for the first time in 60 years.

"It's changed a lot for the good," she said.

Despite the heat, crowds continued to grow through the afternoon. David Fessler of Wildwood said he expects the holiday to get even busier.

"It's gonna be a crazy weekend. Got fireworks going off all over the place tonight, tomorrow. Parking, oh my God, we had to park I don't even know how many blocks," he said.

For one couple, July 3 turned out to be especially memorable. Moments after getting engaged on the Wildwood boardwalk, Gary Bennett and Alicia Galat of Broomall reflected on the significance of the place.

"We both have been going to Wildwood ever since we were kids, even before we met," Galat said.

Fireworks are planned across nearly every shore town on July 4, and with another hot day expected, beaches are likely to be crowded again as celebrations continue.

Due to the extreme heat and hazardous weather conditions, the Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade is canceled, officials announced on Friday night.