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Independence Day Filled With Concerts, Parades and Politics

Associated Press

   NEW YORK - The national holiday to mark America's birth as a country
   will be filled with parades, concerts, competitive eating and of
   course, fireworks.

   But Independence Day won't be free from politics, as President Donald
   Trump's plan for a celebration in Washington featuring a display of
   tanks , fighter jets and a stealth bomber is garnering support from
   some and protests from others.

   Highlights from celebrations around the country:

   The biggest show

   The Macy's fireworks show over the East River in New York City is said
   to be one of the biggest in the country. The fireworks spectacle, plus
   concert, is broadcast on NBC. Country powerhouses Luke Bryan, Maren
   Morris and Brad Paisley will perform. Jennifer Hudson, Ciara, Khalid
   and Derek Hough are also performing.

   Popping off

   Boston is marking Independence Day with a traditional procession,
   speeches, a Boston Pops concert and fireworks.

   Festivities begin Thursday morning at City Hall with a brief speaking
   program. Marchers will then set off for the Old Granary Burial Ground
   where Samuel Adams, John Hancock and other prominent colonial leaders
   are buried.

   They'll also make a stop at the Old State House, where the Declaration
   of Independence will be read out from a balcony by a member of the
   Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company -- just as it was in 1776.

   The procession ends at Faneuil Hall where Boston University Dean of
   Students Kenneth Elmore will deliver a speech in a tradition dating to
   1773.

   The Boston Pops orchestra performs at night with fireworks over the
   Charles River as a backdrop.

   Historic celebration

   The nation's oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration takes place
   in Bristol, Rhode Island. The events begin on Flag Day and culminate
   with a parade on July Fourth that typically draws 100,000 people.
   Organizers say they're preparing for the hot weather and a festive
   celebration of the nation's independence. The annual celebration began
   in the seaside town in 1785.

   The nation's capital

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