Tonight, Americans across the country are commemorating 248 years of independence with a spectacular display of fireworks.
From coast to coast, the night sky will be illuminated with bursts of color, marking this joyous occasion of freedom and unity.
Happy Fourth of July to all!
What is the National Mall?
The long, grassy National Mall is home to iconic monuments including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. At the eastern end is the domed U.S. Capitol, and the White House is to the north.
It’s also flanked by Smithsonian museums, and its lawns and pathways are often crowded with school groups, joggers and softball teams. Nearby, the Tidal Basin reservoir is known for its blossoming cherry trees.
Why do we celebrate July 4th with fireworks?
Fireworks on July 4th in the United States symbolize the celebrations that erupted across the nation when the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, marking the country’s freedom from British rule.
