The US’ largest fireworks show lit up the skies in a burst of red, white and blue over the Hudson River straddling New York and New Jersey on Sunday, an Independence Day scene that repeated in hundreds of communities in a sizzling end to a scorching day for much of the US.
Budget cuts forced some communities to pull the plug on the pyrotechnics, but the gigantic Macy’s fireworks show went on as planned on Manhattan’s West Side, where it moved last year after eight years on the East River.
The shimmering fireworks that streaked across the sky replaced a blazing sun that broiled nearly everywhere east of the Mississippi.
In Washington, thousands gathered on the National Mall were treated to 17 minutes of fireworks, shot off behind the Washington Monument. Thousands of visitors sat on the steps of the US Capitol for the July 4 concert, featuring David Archuleta, Reba McEntire and the National Symphony Orchestra.
The Obama family celebrated the holiday by hosting members of the military and their families for a barbecue, concert and a view of fireworks on the South Lawn of the White House.
“Michelle and I couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate America’s birthday than with America’s extraordinary men and women in uniform and their families,” US President Barack Obama told the guests.
“This is the day when we celebrate the very essence of America and the spirit that has defined us as a people and as a nation for more than two centuries,” Obama said.
There were more than 40 firework displays in Los Angeles. One of the largest in the area was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Fire crews spread fire retardant on nearby hillsides to prevent sparks from igniting brush fires.
Chicago traditionally celebrates on July 3 with a fireworks display, but the show was canceled this year to save at least US$500,000.
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