Americans July Fourth with a bang as fireworks light up the night sky in New York and Washington DC
America is back! Magnificent July 4 fireworks fill the sky over NYC for the Big Apple’s biggest EVER display after Joe and Jill Biden and their granddaughters enjoyed 25 minute DC spectacular
- Crowds in Washington, D.C. celebrated America’s 245th birthday with a monumental fireworks display
- This year holds special significance as the country slowly returns to a sense of normalcy after nearly a year and a half of lockdowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic
- The fireworks were set off near the Lincoln Memorial just after 9pm with New York City following at 9:25pm
- Fireworks were launched from five barges in New York City’s East River to crowds gathered in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn
65,000 shells on five barges sitting in New York’s East River blasted off fireworks into the night sky on Sunday night wowing audiences watching the spectacular display – the city’s biggest ever – both in person and on television.
50 pyrotechnicians had spent days loading the shells before the fuses were lit at 9:25pm as Americans marked their nation’s 245th birthday.
As always, fireworks displays are the highlight of the July Fourth holiday, but the displays were seen as being extra special this year after the pandemic forced the cancellation of most in 2020.
In Washington, President Joe Biden held a 1,000 person July Fourth celebration on the White House lawn with essential workers and military families before watching the display over the National Mall from a balcony at the White House.
‘This year the Fourth of July is a day of special celebration. for we’re emerging from the darkness of a year of pandemic and isolation, a year of pain fear and heartbreaking loss,’ the president said before fireworks lit up the sky at 9pm.
Fireworks illuminate the sky above the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall during Independence Day celebrations
Red, white and blue fireworks filled the skies over National Mall
The Statue of Liberty can be seen serenaded by fireworks inNew York City firework display
Fireworks explode over the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline for the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
US President Joe Biden (2nd L), First Lady Jill Biden (2nd R), daughter Ashley Biden (R) and granddaughters Finnegan Biden (L) and Naomi Biden watch fireworks from the White House during Independence Day celebrations in Washington, DC
Noting the lockdowns that shuttered businesses, put millions out of work and separated untold numbers of families, Biden said: ‘Today we’re closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus. That’s not to say the battle against COVID-19 is over. We’ve got a lot more work to do.’
Biden wanted all Americans to celebrate, too, after enduring 16 months of disruption in the pandemic and more than 605,000 deaths.
The White House encouraged gatherings and fireworks displays all around the country to mark – as though ripped from a Hollywood script – the nation’s ‘independence’ from the virus.
Fireworks illuminate the sky above the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall during Independence Day celebrations
People enjoy the fireworks as they gather for the annual Independence Day celebration at the National Mall in Washington
US President Joe Biden (2nd L), First Lady Jill Biden (3rd L), daughter Ashley Biden (2nd R) and granddaughters Finnegan Biden (L), Naomi Biden (3rd R) and Maisy Biden (R) watch fireworks from the White House
One of the biggest pyrotechnic shows in the country blasted off over the National Mall in Washington
Red, white and blue fireworks filled the skies over the East River of Manhattan
People watch as fireworks are launched from the Empire State Building as part of the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The New York City display also saw fireworks launched from the top of the Empire State Building with the organizers saying the display was to ‘pay tribute to everyday heroes’.
At the display’s most spectacular moment, thousands of golden-hued shells created a dramatic cascade effect 1,000-feet in the air and more than a mile wide across the East River.
Lighting up the night’s sky not only delights crowds but restore a lifelines this year for the businesses that supply the 16,000 July Fourth fireworks displays that typically occur in cities and towns across the country. Last year, only a few went on with the show.
The Macy’s fireworks spectacular is seen on Sunday night in New York City
This year’s celebration was larger and longer, running at 25 minutes
The Washington Monument was bathed in fireworks of all shapes and sizes on Sunday night
Both the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial can be seen clearly as fireworks rain down on both landmarks
The South Portico of the White House is illuminated with the colors of the US national flag during a celebration of Independence Day
The Capitol can be seen with fireworks blasting off around it
Television cameras managed to capture the majesty of the occasion
Shots from a nearby helicopter gave another perspective of the impressive fireworks display
A couple hugs as visitors wait prior to watching the Independence Day fireworks display near the Lincoln Memorial
People await the firework show in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in celebration of Independence Day
Gilbert Rodriguez, 6, from Long Beach, California; holds the US national flag on his father Eddie Rodriguez’s shoulders as US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the South Lawn of the White House
People gather for the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration at the National Mall in Washington
People wear US flag-themed hats as visitors arrive prior to watching the Independence Day fireworks display near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall
President Joe Biden speaks during a Fourth of July BBQ event to celebrate Independence Day at the South Lawn of the White House July
Guests listen to U.S. President Joe Biden’s remarks during a Fourth of July BBQ event to celebrate Independence Day
People gather for the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration at the National Mall in Washington
Spectators wait for the 45th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display overlooking the Manhattan skyline at Gantry State Plaza in Long Island City
A woman gives a ‘thumbs up’ while waiting for New York’s fireworks on Sunday which was slated to be larger and longer, running at 25 minutes. Last year’s fireworks display was spread over four nights and multiple boroughs in an effort to limit gatherings and slow the spread of COVID-19
Gary Sousa, show designer, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks poses as more than 65,000 shells and effects are prepared for the nation’s largest Independence Day Celebration
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks take shape as more than 65,000 shells and effects are prepared for the nation’s largest Independence Day Celebration
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks take shape as more than 65,000 shells and effects are prepared for the nation’s largest Independence Day Celebration
A sign warning people to stay away as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks take shape prior to Sunday night’s celebration
