Menino and Rush at July 4th Celebrations at Faneuil Hall

Did you know that since 1783, the City of Boston has concluded its Independence Day exercises at Faneuil Hall?

From 1771 through 1872, the oration was delivered from the balcony of the Old State House in honor of the Boston Massacre.

This year, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was joined by many people, including state Sen. Mike Rush, D-West Roxbury, in the Great Hall from Faneuil Hall.

Rush spoke about how happy he was to be in Boston this July 4 compared to being in Iraq last year. Rush's speech focused on the history of Boston, America and the importance of Independence Day.

This year's ceremony emceed by Colonel Gerard Wellman. Dana Whiteside sang the national anthem.