The Empire State Building, left, is illuminated as fireworks explode over the East River in front of the Manhattan skyline
Parades, fireworks, naturalization ceremonies, eating contests and music ushered in the Fourth of July as the United States marked 239 years as an independent nation on Saturday.
Speaking in Washington, President Barack Obama said U.S. service members make it possible to enjoy the “incredible blessings” in the greatest country on earth. He said “freedom is not free” but is paid for by all the men and women of the military, including those who blanketed the White House South Lawn for a concert in their honor by Bruno Mars.
Obama spoke minutes before the annual Fourth of July fireworks lit up the night sky over the National Mall. He was accompanied by Michelle Obama.
Heavy rain that soaked Washington all day forced the White House to cancel its annual Fourth of July picnic for members of the military and their families.
Meanwhile in New York, hundreds of thousands of people braved tight security along the city’s East River to watch the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display.
Minneapolis resident Joe Cunningham said Saturday’s fireworks show was “awesome” and lived up to his family’s expectations.
Macy’s said the 25-minute show featured more than 50,000 shells set off from five barges on the river.
Independence Day wouldn’t have been complete without the quintessential American hot dog. Matt Stonie devoured 62 wieners and buns in 10 minutes to upset Joey “Jaws” Chestnut in the annual hot dog eating contest at Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island, breaking Chestnut’s bid for a ninth straight victory. Stonie beat Chestnut by two wieners. Both were from San Jose, California. The third-place finisher ate 35 hot dogs.
Naturalization ceremonies big and small were also held across the U.S. The director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Baltimore district administered the oath of allegiance to 40 people from 27 countries during a ceremony at The Engineers Club in Baltimore.
In Plymouth, Vermont, 20 people became U.S. citizens at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. The great-granddaughter of President and Mrs. Coolidge sang the national anthem.
Officials say over 4,000 new citizens were welcomed in more than 50 naturalization ceremonies across the country from July 1 through July 4. AP
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