Freedom and Fireworks: Americans Celebrate Their Country's Birthday

  • Fireworks display during PBS's 2014 A Capitol Fourth on the West Lawn in Washington.
    Paul Morigi—Getty Images
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  • Fireworks explode over the Philadelphia Museum of Art, July 4, 2014.
    Matt Rourke—AP
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • Jon Herzog, center, cheers at the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating contest at Coney Island.
    John Minchillo—AP
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  • Elasha Ramirez hands out American flags before the 65th annual Jaycees Independence Day parade, July 4, 2014, in Odessa, Texas.
    Courtney Sacco—AP
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  • People wave flags as the Independence Day parade rolls down Main Street, July 4, 2014, in Eagar, Ariz.
    Matt York—AP
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  • 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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