Fireworks light up the sky across America for Independence Day as President Obama hosts Bruno Mars concert and toasts the military with message that 'freedom is not free'
The First Family led celebrations with a Bruno Mars concert on the White House South Lawn, where the president gave special thanks to the U.S. military.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people braved tight security along New York City's East River for Macy's annual fireworks display, as similar events were staged in cities across the country.
The celebrations came amid a surge in terror threats from the Islamic State, with counter terrorism police assigned to all city-held events.
Happy fourth! Fireworks explode over the National Mall during Fourth of July celebrations in Washington
People watch the annual Fourth of July fireworks on the National Mall in Washington to mark the 239th Independence Day
Obama and Michelle spoke minutes before the annual Fourth of July fireworks lit up the night sky over the National Mall
President Barack Obama says U.S. service members make it possible to enjoy the 'greatest blessings' in the greatest country on earth.
He says 'freedom is not free' but is paid for by all the men and women of the military, including those who blanketed the White House South Lawn for a concert in their honor by Bruno Mars.
Obama spoke minutes before the annual Fourth of July fireworks lit up the night sky over the National Mall. He was accompanied by Michelle Obama.
The Empire State building changed color as fireworks erupted around it at around 9pm on Saturday
Meskie Hyman, 11, exuded patriot pride in a star-spangled shirt and a hairband with two American flags that fluttered under cloudy skies in Maplewood, New Jersey.
'I love that it's a free country and we have the right to speak. It lets us see everyone's potential and find our heroes,' she said.
The crowd in Washington, D.C. watched a parade of brass bands, law enforcement motorcycle units, high school drum majorettes, antique cars and police and military detachments.
The National Mall, an open area west of the Capitol and site of a fireworks display expected to draw hundreds of thousands, was soggy from steady rain that had stopped by the time the parade started. Among them was Kearston Andrews, 26, who had traveled with her family from near Gainesville, Florida, and said security concerns had not affected them.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued an alert this week asking local authorities and the public to remain vigilant for possible threats following recent calls for violence by leaders of radical Islamist group Islamic State.
In New York City, the nation's biggest police force assigned about 7,000 officers and nearly all its counterterrorism personnel to handle security around Independence Day events.
Even after promising an increased presence at weekend events, Massachusetts State Police maintained a holiday spirit, tweeting with a colloquial Boston phrase early Saturday 'Have a wicked safe 4th of July!'
People light up fireworks during the USA Independence Day celebrations at North Shore Bandshell Park in Miami Beach
Heavy rain that soaked Washington all day forced the White House to cancel its annual Fourth of July picnic for members of the military and their families.
The USO military service organization sponsored the concert that featured a performance by Mars.
Possible security threats, wildfires in the West and rainy weather on the East Coast apparently did little to dampen the spirits of celebrants decked out in red, white and blue from their headbands to their shoelaces.
East River was packed with crowds to watch the fireworks display. Macy's said the 25-minute show featured more than 50,000 shells set off from five barges on the river.
Crowds at Boston's Old State House erupted in applause and cannons shot out tri-color confetti after the annual July Fourth reading of the Declaration of Independence.
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