US marks 250th birthday with storms, flyovers and fireworks
What's new: Thunderstorms briefly cleared the National Mall in Washington before celebrations resumed and fireworks ended around 1 a.m.
The United States marked the 250th anniversary of its independence on July 4 with celebrations from small towns to major cities, though storms and heat disrupted events in several places. In Washington, thunderstorms forced an evacuation of the National Mall before festivities restarted later in the evening. The program included a presidential address, military flyovers, a concert and a late-night fireworks finale that ended at about 1 a.m. local time. The holiday commemorates the 13 colonies' 1776 Declaration of Independence from Britain. Crowds still turned out in the capital despite the delays, while videos on social media showed members of Patriot Front marching near the Capitol and Union Station.