Fourth of July fireworks celebrations of years past (PHOTOS)
A country’s independence is cause for celebration. In the US, firework displays light up the skyline in cities and towns across the country every Fourth of July.
On July 3, 1776, John Adams said that America's independence "ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more."
And so it was. Every year, Americans get out their blankets, lawn chairs, barbeques and patriotic apparel to watch a fireworks display, or an "illuminations" display according to Adams, that promises to be bigger and better than the one before it.
Here is a look at seven American cities that do Independence Day with a bang.
The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World. Can we count on you?