President Joe Biden used his Fourth of July speech Sunday to declare that the U.S. is "closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus." What he's saying: "This year, the Fourth of July is a day of special celebration," Biden said before a crowd of 1,000 essential workers and military families. "For we are emerging from the darkness of years. A year pandemic and isolation. "A year of pain, fear, and heart-breaking loss. Just think back to where this nation was a year ago. Think back to where you were a year ago. And think about how far we've come." Biden noted that "the battle against COVID-19" is not over. "We've got a lot more work to do," he added.