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With parades, fireworks and hot-dog eating contests, people across the United States came together to celebrate July 4 – the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and a time for partying and patriotism. Americans around the country marked the occasion in their own ways, from some in Boston who dressed up in 18th Century costume, to others in Los Angeles, who took part in an Independence Day bodybuilding competition.
Women ride a ferry on their way to visit the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island.
The 3rd U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as 'The Old Guard', perform during a ceremony to reopen Liberty Island to the public.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle lead Washington's celebrations, hosting members of the U.S. military and their families on the South Lawn of the White House.
A woman carries the star-spangled banner through the street at a parade in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey.
A reveller rides a penny farthing decorated with stars and stripes.
People sit by the curb during the Ridgefield Park parade.
The Haig family stands with their hands on their hearts for the United States Pledge of Allegiance before a public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston.
Confetti falls around a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company after the Declaration of Independence was read out.
Women in period dress listen as a member of the artillery company reads out the famous declaration from the balcony of the Old State House.
A re-enactor takes a picture with his mobile phone.
A demonstrator holds up a placard of former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden during celebrations in Boston.
A man with the American flag painted on his face poses for a portrait in Prescott, Arizona.
A couple arrives to compete in the Muscle Beach Independence Day bodybuilding contest on Venice Beach.
With their biceps shining, a row of women take part in the competition.
Visitors carry their lunch, bought from a vendor at the National Mall in Washington.
A young woman wearing a Statue of Liberty hat eats a burger on Liberty Island.
A woman carries a child during an Independence Day party in Union Beach, New Jersey.
Fireworks exploding overhead illuminate a woman's face in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.
The red glare of Independence Day fireworks lights the water around boaters in the Potomac River.
Fireworks fill the sky over Washington.
