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WBZ-TV Anchor Lisa Hughes Delivers Independence Day Oration At Faneuil Hall

BOSTON (CBS) – Veteran WBZ-TV anchor Lisa Hughes delivered the oration Saturday morning to help kick off Boston's 4th of July festivities at the Independence Day Celebration inside Faneuil Hall.

Photos: Boston Celebrates 4th of July

The city has held the patriotic exercises at Faneuil Hall since 1783, with iconic figures such as John Quincy Adams and John F. Kennedy giving the oration previously.

Boston 4th of July
The crowd inside Faneuil Hall. (Jermiah Robinson/City of Boston)

"I confess that after reading the list of past speakers, I too was a little nervous," Hughes said with a laugh before adding that "pressure is privilege."

Saturday's ceremony got underway with a prelude from the Zarba Military Band as dignitaries entered the room.

Boston 4th of July
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh introduces WBZ-TV anchor Lisa Hughes. (Jermiah Robinson/City of Boston)

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh delivered opening remarks and introduced Hughes, who spoke about the importance of patriotism and giving back to the community.

"On the 4th of July we celebrate our democracy, our freedom, our history and, particularly in Boston, we celebrate as a community of strong, passionate patriots," Hughes told the crowd.

Boston 4th of July
WBZ-TV anchor Lisa Hughes' oration discussed the importance of patriotism. (Jermiah Robinson/City of Boston)

On Saturday night, Hughes will be hosting the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular show on the Esplanade alongside co-anchor David Wade.

The show airs on WBZ-TV at 8 p.m. and will be streaming live on CBSBoston.com.

In addition, WBZ NewsRadio 1030 will provide live coverage of the concert, hosted by Joe Mathieu and Jordan Rich.

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