As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 celebration has become both a massive patriotic showcase and, at times, the center of controversy as some artists backed out of scheduled performances.But rapper and entertainer Vanilla Ice is standing his ground — and making it clear why he chose to stay in the lineup.During an appearance on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle," Vanilla Ice, born Robert Matthew Van Winkle, said he decided to move forward with the National Mall performance, which was ultimately canceled due to inclement weather, despite other artists backing out.VANILLA ICE REFUSES TO QUIT FREEDOM 250 CONCERT, SAYS HE WON'T LET ANYONE TELL HIM HE 'CAN'T BE PROUD'Vanilla Ice did not back down on his commitment to perform at the Great American State Fair despite a wave of criticism.(Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)Vanilla Ice emphasized that the event is about unity, not division."Well, I can only speak for myself, and this is a huge honor for me to come here and play this event for the birthday of our country, man, that I grew up in, you know?" he told Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo.WATCH: VANILLA ICE SAYS PATRIOTIC CONCERT IS MADE TO ‘UNITE’"It's called the United States, and this event is made to be united, to unite us.
And that's what this is about, you know, not the politics and everything.It's really about an entertainer coming to entertain all the people of America for the birthday of America."Vanilla Ice is "honored" to get to play during the Great American State Fair in celebration of America's 250th anniversary of independence.
(Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)Vanilla Ice made clear his focus is less about controversy and more about tribute."I want my fans to come away from this tonight as very entertaining, once-in-a-lifetime thing.Know your history about how we got here, 250 years.
And the main focus is on our military, our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, police, E...