Fireworks over America: U.S. celebrates Fourth of July with spectacular light show as nation marks 236 years of independence
Americans welcomed 236 years of
independence in spectacular style on Wednesday with dazzling displays of
fireworks held across the country.
Though many of the festivities were cancelled or scaled down due to weather-related power outages and wildfire concerns, it was business as usual in New York as the Manhattan skyline was lit up to the delight of the thousands who lined teh streets and millions watching at home.
Despite a day-long heat warning, thousands of revellers flocked to Manhattan’s west side to view the incredible Macy’s fireworks display, where a feat of pyrotechnics erupted over the Hudson River.
Meanwhile, millions at home watched Katy Perry give a star-spangled performance in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, donning her uniform of a purple ponytail and an American flag mini-dress and singing the aptly named hit Firework. Country music sensation Kenny Chesney also performed.
Both performances were pre-recorded
so as to avoid any snafus with inclement weather. The night’s events
were MC’d by none other than Regis Philbin, who has been in retirement
from Live With Regis and Kelly.
Crowds lined up early in the day along FDR Drive on Manhattan’s west side, despite a heat advisory and the promise of thunderstorms. But the weather held fast, and by sundown, temperatures were down to a cooler 86 degrees.
Viewers along 12th Avenue witnessed as 40,000 fireworks in 15 dazzling colours and 30 separate shapes filled the sky in the half-hour spectacular.
But the storms had to go somewhere, and headed north to Boston. According to CBS Boston, the Esplanade was evacuated during the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular due to severe thunderstorms.
Jennifer Hudson was among those performing. The station notes that people were evacuated right before the 1812 Overture.
Hundreds
of thousands from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic are spending the
Fourth of July like America's founders did in 1776: Without the
conveniences of electricity and air conditioning.
Fireworks on the National Mall in
Washington are planned to go forward, and in New York City, huge crowds
lined the Hudson River to view the 36th annual Macy’s fireworks show.
In the nation’s capital, fireworks began shortly after 9pm on the West Lawn. Entertainment was provided by Matthew Broderick, who performed two songs from the Broadway musical Nice Work If You Can Get It with Tony-nominated actress Keli O’Hara.
It was a mix of pop and classical in Washington, as the National Symphony Orchestra entertained with American classics like Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with live cannon fire.
In Philadelphia, a dazzling fireworks show followed a 5,000-participant parade.
Singer Lauryn Hill performed days after pleading guilty to tax evasion, and the Roots also gave a rousing performance. Also performing were Queen Latifah, Common, and Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers.
Following the performances, fireworks were launched over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
President Obama marked the Fourth of
July by thanking service members and their families, who he said
'represent what is best in America.'
The president, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, hosted a barbecue and concert Wednesday for the families on the White House South Lawn.
Mr Obama saluted 'this generation of heroes' for their service and sacrifice to defend American freedoms, specifically thanking them for bringing Osama bin Laden to justice and working to get out of Afghanistan.
He said the nation 'will always be there for you, just as you've been there for us.' He said it was his promise, and America's promise.
Afterward, the Obamas shook hands and posed for pictures with eager visitors. The U.S. Marine Band and country singer Brad Paisley performed.
Presumptive GOP presidential
candidate Mitt Romney has spent most of the week off the campaign trail
with his family in in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, but took time Wednesday
to march in the town's Fourth of July parade.
He was joined by his wife Ann; the two of them were seen participating in the parade, riding in trolleys, and greeting the crowds.
The former Massachusetts governor has been on vacation at his lake house -estimated to be worth over $10million - for the better part of the week.
Though many of the festivities were cancelled or scaled down due to weather-related power outages and wildfire concerns, it was business as usual in New York as the Manhattan skyline was lit up to the delight of the thousands who lined teh streets and millions watching at home.
Despite a day-long heat warning, thousands of revellers flocked to Manhattan’s west side to view the incredible Macy’s fireworks display, where a feat of pyrotechnics erupted over the Hudson River.
Meanwhile, millions at home watched Katy Perry give a star-spangled performance in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, donning her uniform of a purple ponytail and an American flag mini-dress and singing the aptly named hit Firework. Country music sensation Kenny Chesney also performed.
Scroll down to watch the Independence Day fireworks
Celebration: The Manhattan skyline glows as 4th
of July fireworks explode above the Hudson River between New York City
and New Jersey, as seen from the Hudson Palisades bluff at Fort Lee
Historic Park in Fort Lee, New Jersey
New York symbol: The Empire State Building,
illuminated with red, white and blue lights, is seen from the Queens,
back-lit by fireworks over the Hudson River during the Macy's Fourth of
July fireworks show
New York state of mind: The fireworks display, as seen from Queens, can be seen over the top of the buildings
Star-spangled star: Pop sensation Katy Perry was
joined by her crew of military-style dancers and performed at the
Brooklyn Navy Yard in a previously recorded segment
Stars and stripes: Perry, who was sporting a
one-armed dress resembling an American flag, was pre-recorded over fears
of bad weather
Enjoying the moment: Spectators watch as
fireworks light up the sky over New York City's Hudson River during the
Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show
Captivated: Spectators watch as fireworks light
up the sky over the Hudson River; the area is closed off after a certain
time, so many viewers braved the heat to secure a spot
No seat like the street: Several families
outside of the police blockades in New York chose to view the display
from the streets, rather than brave the vast crowds
Jersey shore: People look at fireworks exploding
over the Hudson River and the skyline of New York during the
Independence Day celebration as seen from Hoboken, New Jersey
On the west side: Spectators watch over Hudson Yard in New York as fireworks light up the sky over the Hudson River
Over the river: Fireworks light up the sky over the Hudson River
Back in the saddle: TV personality Regis
Philbin, 80, seen July 4 with U.S. Naval officers, hosted the 36th
Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
Crowds lined up early in the day along FDR Drive on Manhattan’s west side, despite a heat advisory and the promise of thunderstorms. But the weather held fast, and by sundown, temperatures were down to a cooler 86 degrees.
Viewers along 12th Avenue witnessed as 40,000 fireworks in 15 dazzling colours and 30 separate shapes filled the sky in the half-hour spectacular.
But the storms had to go somewhere, and headed north to Boston. According to CBS Boston, the Esplanade was evacuated during the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular due to severe thunderstorms.
Jennifer Hudson was among those performing. The station notes that people were evacuated right before the 1812 Overture.
Capitol fireworks: Fireworks light up the sky
over the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol
today in Washington, DC, helping the nation bring in its 236th birthday
Incredible colours: The fireworks in Washington
displayed colours across the spectrum, from cooler blues and purples,
left, to greens and reds, right
Dazzling: This series of photos shows fireworks
illuminating the night sky during Fourth of July celebrations in
Washington, D.C.
Lest we forget: A firework flash lights the sky
over Washington, as seen from the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial in
Arlington, Virginia
All smiles: A group of girls in D.C. smile as they play with sparklers
Brilliant: Fireworks light the sky over the U.S. Capitol, left, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial in Washington
In the nation’s capital, fireworks began shortly after 9pm on the West Lawn. Entertainment was provided by Matthew Broderick, who performed two songs from the Broadway musical Nice Work If You Can Get It with Tony-nominated actress Keli O’Hara.
It was a mix of pop and classical in Washington, as the National Symphony Orchestra entertained with American classics like Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with live cannon fire.
Daring dress: The Grammy winner wore a form
fitting zebra-print dress; though the Boston venue was evacuated due to
bad weather, Hudson was able to perform
Beantown beauty: Academy award winner Jennifer
Hudson is seen rehearsing July 3rd with the Boston Pops at the Fourth of
July concert rehearsal at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston
Singer Lauryn Hill performed days after pleading guilty to tax evasion, and the Roots also gave a rousing performance. Also performing were Queen Latifah, Common, and Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers.
Following the performances, fireworks were launched over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
In the city of Brotherly love: Fireworks light
up the sky over the Philadelphia Museum of Art during an Independence
Day celebration
Spectacular display: Left, fireworks explode
over the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a statue of George Washington,
and right, the famous 'Rocky' steps of the art museum can barely be seen
illuminated by the display
A night
of song: Left to right, Nick and Joe Jonas, Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson
of the Roots, and Queen Latifah all performed during the Philadelphia
celebration
Reveling: A young couple dances during the concert in Philadelphia
Sparkling: Fireworks turn Houston's skyline into a shower of light
The president, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, hosted a barbecue and concert Wednesday for the families on the White House South Lawn.
Mr Obama saluted 'this generation of heroes' for their service and sacrifice to defend American freedoms, specifically thanking them for bringing Osama bin Laden to justice and working to get out of Afghanistan.
He said the nation 'will always be there for you, just as you've been there for us.' He said it was his promise, and America's promise.
Afterward, the Obamas shook hands and posed for pictures with eager visitors. The U.S. Marine Band and country singer Brad Paisley performed.
Commencing celebrations: US President Obama
waves from the balcony of the White House with first lady Michelle Obama
after delivering remarks to an Independence Day picnic on the South
Lawn
Pomp and circumstance: Guests at the
Independence Day celebration for military members, their families and
members of the administration were treated to several performances by a
brass band
Yee-haw: Mr Obama puts on a red, white, and blue hat, while visiting with service members
Obam-ha: The president enjoys a hearty laugh while mingling with guests on the South Lawn
USA: Showing off her famously toned arms, first lady Michelle Obama high-fives a young girl during the celebration
Gimme five: Not to be outdone, her husband high-fives a boy in return
He was joined by his wife Ann; the two of them were seen participating in the parade, riding in trolleys, and greeting the crowds.
The former Massachusetts governor has been on vacation at his lake house -estimated to be worth over $10million - for the better part of the week.
Address on the fourth: With Lake Winnipesaukee
in the background, presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt
Romney, accompanied by his wife, Ann, address a crowd after they walked
in the Fourth of July Parade in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Do the wave: Left, Romney and his wife Ann wave to supporters from the
back of a pickup truck, while right, it's Romney's turn to wave after
participating in the parade
Celebrating around the country: People watch the
fireworks display during Independence Day celebrations in Avondale
Estates, Georgia
Sic semper tyrannis: Spectators watch the Valley Fourth fireworks show from the Turner Pavilion lawn in Harrisonburg, Virginia
Easy living: People watch annual Fourth of July fireworks on a dock in Inlet, New York
Midwestern celebration: Onlookers watch fireworks from their yard in Valley Center, Kansas
West coast fireworks: The Fourth of July
Fireworks show behind the scoreboard at Dodger Stadium after the Los
Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-1 in their MLB baseball
game
Patriotic: John Meeks, 16, with Boys Ranch Town,
carries an American flag on horseback during the LibertyFest Fourth of
July Parade in Edmond, Oklahoma
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