MARYLAND (WBFF) — Gov. Wes Moore used his Independence Day address Saturday to reflect on patriotism, democracy and national service, but Republicans argued his remarks focused too heavily on broad national themes instead of challenges facing Maryland residents.

Speaking at the Maryland State House, Moore delivered his “Work of Patriotism” speech as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Throughout his address, Moore described patriotism as an ongoing commitment to service, sacrifice and strengthening democracy.

“Patriotism is neither passive nor performative. Patriotism is not selfish, it is selfless,” Gov. Moore said.

Gov. Moore also warned against conflating patriotism with nationalism.

“Today’s version of nationalism asks you to fight for a person or a group. Patriotism wants you to build something bigger than yourself,” he said.

Although Moore briefly acknowledged economic concerns facing Americans, much of his speech focused on broader national themes rather than Maryland-specific policy.

“People worry about our economy, that it will leave them behind. People are watching their children work more, yet earn less,” Gov. Moore said.

Watch Gov. Moore’s full speech below:

Shortly after Moore’s remarks, Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox held a press conference near the Francis Scott Key Bridge, where he criticized the governor’s leadership and shifted the conversation to issues affecting Maryland residents.

“Maryland has become too expensive to live in,” Cox said, criticizing Moore’s administration over taxes, fees and the pace of the Key Bridge reconstruction.

“Too many Maryland families feel their government has become increasingly expensive, increasingly unaccountable, and increasingly disconnected from the people who pay the bills. Maryland has become too expensive to live in for,” Cox said. “Too many families are paying higher taxes, higher fees, the highest electric bills in the nation, higher housing costs, and spending more time stuck in traffic because government has lost its sight of the most basic responsibility, including that bridge behind us that is yet to be built.”

Cox announced what he described as a four-priority plan focused on lowering the cost of living, restoring public safety, increasing government accountability and accelerating construction of a replacement for Key Bridge.

“Today I am announcing my plan for Maryland, which is recovery and renewal, a common-sense plan built on four priorities: affordability, public safety, accountability, and rebuilding. Maryland’s economy and infrastructure,” Cox said.

“First, build the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Fast and strong. Nothing better illustrates the difference between the current administration and the leadership of the Cox Crop Administration that we propose, because we will bring leadership that will build the Francis Scott Key Bridge here at the great port of Baltimore,” he said.

Watch Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox’s full speech below:

The contrasting messages highlighted two different approaches to the holiday: Moore focused on patriotism, democracy and national identity, while Cox emphasized state issues including affordability, taxes, and rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

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The extreme heat caused a concrete section of Interstate 97 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, to buckle on Friday.

Near the Brightview Drive overpass, a long section of concrete failed from shoulder to shoulder, with slabs of concrete and rebar thrust upward across all three northbound travel lanes.

“These high temperatures have totally stressed the pavements, both asphalt and concrete,” Charlie Gischlar, spokesperson for the Maryland State Highway Administration, told WTOP. “Asphalt absorbs heat, of course, and you know, heavy vehicles sitting in a right lane at a traffic signal or something can start to have that heave.”

He added that it’ll be an extended closure and recommends drivers take different routes.

“We do have crews on the scene right now, but we do have to do some work on that roadway and some of that involves having some materials put down to fill in where it was stressed and that might take some time to cure,” Gischlar said.

Initially, Maryland Department of Transportation crews allowed northbound traffic to drive through the grass on the median to get around the mound of damaged concrete. Northbound traffic is being diverted to Benfield Boulevard and Veterans Highway.

A second, smaller section of concrete damage was discovered later Friday afternoon in the southbound lanes nearby. Two left lanes were blocked.

During the record-breaking heat wave in July 2012, a section of Route 50 buckled near Bowie.

Unlike asphalt repairs, concrete repairs are more time-consuming and can require extended lane closures. Drivers who normally take I-97 from Annapolis toward Baltimore should plan on possible delays through the holiday weekend.

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