Heavy rain in the morning in Washington D.C. did not stop celebration of the Independence Day on July 4. By the evening the weather for a short period of time became clear. At that time, the traditional fireworks set off.

Tens of thousands of people gathered at the central urban boulevard and at the bank of Potomak river to see the fireworks. An open-air concert was held at the foot of the Capitol Hill with the participation of the US National Symphony Orchestra and other artists. Another concert was held in the White House, where President Barack Obama and his wife invited the families of the American soldiers.

At the same time, the presidential family celebrated the US President's daughter, Malia Obama's 18th birthday. However, the planned picnic in the southern lawn of the White House did not take place , and as Obama confessed he had to cut the guest list . It was not possible to accommodate all the guests in the East Hall.

This year the US celebrates the 240 th anniversary of the statehood. On July 4 of 1776 in the North America the delegates from 13 British colonies, who gathered for the Continental Congress approved the  Declaration of Independence and declared independence from the British throne.