America’s day to celebrate

FROM flashy firework displays for massive crowds to small-town parades, Americans celebrated the United States’ 241st birthday in both joyous and serious ways.

Tuesday’s events even went international, as US senators travelled to Afghanistan and spent the holidays with the troops and an Independence Day exhibition took Major League Baseball to London.

Along with the fireworks, July Fourth also comes with some light-hearted traditions, like competitive eating contests.

But the holiday is taking place in a nation that has grap- pled with divides this past year.

And in an era of concerns about security, the Independence Day celebrations are mixed with precautions.

Thousands upon thousands of fireworks turned the night sky over New York City into a festival of colour during the annual Macy’s fireworks show. Crowds lined up along the East River to watch.

The 60,000 shells launched from five barges went off at an average of 2400 shells per minute and exploded into happy faces and flowers in colours including purple, orange and yellow.

For President Donald Trump’s first Independence Day in office, he and First Lady Melania Trump hosted a picnic for military families at the White House.

Mr Trump pledged his “unwavering support” and told the crowd that he will “always have your back”.

A bit of American sports culture was displayed in London’s Hyde Park, where several former major leaguers competed in a home run derby. Major League Baseball aims to build interest in the sport in Britain and Europe. Organisers say some official games could be played in London during the 2019 season.