The 250th anniversary of American independence is being celebrated with various events across the United States. Despite the heat wave and political polarization, Americans are coming together to mark this milestone.

National Celebrations

President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak on the National Mall, followed by a massive fireworks display. Fireworks are also planned in other cities, including Chicago and New York City.

In New York City, the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest was held, with Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut winning for the 18th time. The city also hosted a ball drop at midnight and a parade of tall ships.

Local Events

In Philadelphia, fireworks began at midday near the site where the Declaration of Independence was adopted. In Washington, a smaller Independence Day parade was held in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

A U.S. Marine from Guinea became a newly minted citizen at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia. In Louisville, Kentucky, people signed a copy of the Declaration of Independence using a Sharpie equipped with a feather.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.