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Biggest fireworks show in US celebrates Independence Day

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-07-05 17:17

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Former President George W. Bush spoke amid thunderous applause in rural Woodward, Okla., calling the US the "greatest nation on the face of the earth." He thanked members of the military for their service, and thanked spectators for giving "a retired guy something to do."

Fireworks explode over the Hudson River and the skyline of Manhattan during Independence Day ceremonies in New York, July 4, 2009. [Agencies]

In Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, the city held a parade through the Old City neighborhood for the first time in 18 years. Descendants of the Declaration's signers gathered at the Liberty Bell, and a spectacular fireworks show went off over the Museum of Art.

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On Saturday morning in Boston, with its rich Revolutionary War history, the Navy's oldest commissioned warship performed its annual turnaround in the harbor. The USS Constitution — "Old Ironsides" — marked the day by firing a 21-gun salute, the highest maritime honor, followed by 19 volleys.

On Saturday evening, Bostonians filled the banks of the Charles River for a free Boston Pops concert featuring Neil Diamond.

And on Brooklyn's Coney Island, an iconic Fourth of July event — Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest — was won Saturday afternoon by Joey Chestnut, who chomped down a record 68 dogs.

In New York, Manhattan's West Side Highway was closed to traffic so pedestrians could view the fireworks, with three lanes packed so tightly with people stretched out on blankets and beach chairs that it was difficult to move.

The skyline of Midtown Manhattan, seen from across the East River in the Queens borough of New York, is backlit by shells exploding over the Hudson River during the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show Saturday, July 4, 2009 in New York. [Agencies]

Across the river, Frank Sinatra's hometown of Hoboken, N.J., had one of the best views, facing the heart of the barge lineup in the Hudson against the Manhattan skyline for "one of the biggest and best shows we've ever put together," said Souza.

The celebration returned to Manhattan's West Side for the first time since the 9/11 attacks. The extravaganza was expanded this year with more than 44,000 shells.

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