Americans mark July 4 with fireworks, food

Doc Rutstein, of Braintree, Mass., sings along to the national anthem during a concert at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston, Thursday, July 3, 2014. The annual Boston Pops Fourth of July concert was moved up a day because of potential heavy rain ahead of Hurricane Arthur. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Doc Rutstein, of Braintree, Mass., sings along to the national anthem during a concert at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston, Thursday, July 3, 2014. The annual Boston Pops Fourth of July concert was moved up a day because of potential heavy rain ahead of Hurricane Arthur. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

By Associated Press July 4, 2014 3 min read

The United States marks 238 years as an independent nation as it celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks, food and music. Here are some highlights:

HISTORY

The Fourth of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress of the 13 colonies, meeting in Philadelphia. The tradition of celebrating July 4 with fireworks, parades and speeches spread from Philadelphia to other cities and towns across the new nation. Congress established Independence Day as a holiday in 1870.

FIRE IN THE SKY

The Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show in New York City is the nation’s largest. Macy’s says more than 1,600 shells will be launched per minute during the 25-minute display over the East River. Other major fireworks shows include those in Chicago on Lake Michigan and in San Francisco over the San Francisco Bay.