Heatwave, Record Fireworks, and a Big Trump Show: How America Celebrated its 250th Birthday

Americans marked the 250th anniversary of their nation on Saturday with a wide array of events, including fireworks, parades, and historical reenactments, celebrating the country's founding.

In Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, a time capsule containing items from all 50 states was buried to be opened in 2276. New York saw a flotilla of historic sailing ships navigate the Hudson River, while in Charlottesville, Virginia, 75 individuals from around the world received their American citizenship at the historic home of Thomas Jefferson.

However, a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius and high humidity, led to the cancellation or curtailment of numerous planned celebrations. In Washington, the "Salut to America" event on the National Mall was postponed to the late afternoon to mitigate health risks. Later, thunderstorms prompted an evacuation order due to severe weather warnings, further delaying the program.

Independence Day typically serves as a unifying moment, but this year's celebrations were marked by political polarization. The National Mall in Washington was transformed into a high-security zone, accessible only by ticket. Many attendees were vocal supporters of Donald Trump, with chants of "We love Trump!" heard, highlighting the deep divisions within the country.