Americans Celebrate Independence Day

Fireworks are seen over the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial in Washington, July 4, 2012. (B. Allen/VOA)

Fireworks are seen from the National Mall, Washington, July 4, 2012. (M. Lipin/VOA)

Fireworks over Washington, July 4, 2012. (N. Mortazavi/VOA)

Crowds of people arrived hours early to get the best spots to watch the fireworks, Washington, July 4, 2012. (M. Lipin/VOA)

A giant inflatable Uncle Sam parades through downtown Washington, D.C. during the annual Independence Day parade, July 4, 2012. (Alison Klein/VOA)

Uncle Sam parades through downtown Washington D.C. on Independence Day. (Alison Klein/VOA)

The annual Independence Day Parade in downtown Washington D.C. (Alison Klein/VOA)

The annual Independence Day Parade marches down Constitution Avenue. (Alison Klein/VOA)

Ayden Massey, 19 months old, of Seoul, watches the band "Absolute" from the Philippines performing at 4th of July celebrations at US Army Garrison-Yongsan in South Korea, July 4, 2012. (S.L. Herman/VOA)

A fan wearing an American flag themed shirt at Nationals Stadium for the July 4 baseball game between the Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants, Washington. (J. Randle/VOA)