Happy Fourth Of July: How Americans celebrated their 241st Independence Day

[caption id="attachment_3778099" align="alignnone" width="940"] From flashy firework displays for massive crowds to small-town parades, Americans celebrated the United States' 241st birthday in both joyous and serious ways. AP[/caption][caption id="attachment_3778175" align="alignnone" width="940"] The White House was lit with red, white and blue lights. US president Donald Trump wished the country a happy Independence Day by sharing a video of a band and chorus performing "Make America Great Again". AP[/caption][caption id="attachment_3778123" align="alignnone" width="940"] He welcomed the military families gathered for a Fourth of July picnic on the South Lawn of the White House along with First Lady Melania Trump.Reuters[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3778139" align="alignnone" width="940"] Most places mark the occasion with the Star Spangled Banner and red, white and blue fireworks streaming across the night sky. AP[/caption][caption id="attachment_3777791" align="alignnone" width="940"] Crowds of people lined up along New York City's East River . They were greeted by performances by Jennifer Lopez, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley and others. AP[/caption][caption id="attachment_3778115" align="alignnone" width="940"] While there were several parades and concerts across America, beachgoers at Coney Island Beach in New York City celebrated the Independence Day out in colourful tents. Reuters[/caption]