Freedom and Fireworks: Americans Celebrate Their Country’s Birthday

Paul Calienes
Paul Calienes poses for a photo before the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating contest at Coney Island, Friday, July 4, 2014, in New York.John Minchillo—AP
By TIME Staff
A Capitol Fourth 2014 Independence Day Concert
Fireworks display during PBS's 2014 A Capitol Fourth on the West Lawn in Washington.Paul Morigi—Getty Images
APTOPIX Fourth of July
Fireworks explode over the Philadelphia Museum of Art, July 4, 2014.Matt Rourke—AP
Boston Pops Fourth of July
Fireworks illuminate the water on the Charles River in Boston, July 3, 2014. The annual Boston Pops Fourth of July concert and fireworks show was moved up a day because of potential heavy rain ahead of Hurricane Arthur.Michael Dwyer—AP
Paul Calienes
Paul Calienes poses for a photo before the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating contest at Coney Island, Friday, July 4, 2014, in New York. John Minchillo—AP
APTOPIX Hot Dog Contest
Jon Herzog, center, cheers at the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating contest at Coney Island. John Minchillo—AP
Fourth of July
Elasha Ramirez hands out American flags before the 65th annual Jaycees Independence Day parade, July 4, 2014, in Odessa, Texas. Courtney Sacco—AP
Fourth of July
People wave flags as the Independence Day parade rolls down Main Street, July 4, 2014, in Eagar, Ariz. Matt York—AP
Petrus Kerras, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars, rides on a float in a July Fourth parade in the village of Barnstable, Massachusetts
Petrus Kerras, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars, rides on a float in a July Fourth parade in the village of Barnstable, Mass. July 4, 2014. Mike Segar—Reuters

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