US Independence Day Celebration Highlights, Photos & Events

People celebrated 239 years of American independence at various locations around the country on July 4, 2015.

AL.com reported that there were parades in Iowa and New Hampshire in honor of 2016 Presidential candidates. Jeb Bush of Florida, Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, Rick Perry of Texas and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina were present to meet and greet supporters. Hillary Rodham Clinton was in the North Country of New Hampshire, Chris Christie of New Jersey and Marco Rubio of Florida were in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Martin O’Malley of Maryland and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana were in Iowa.

The annual Nathan’s hot dog eating contest was held in Coney Island, with Matt Stonie winning over Joey Chestnut by eating 62 wieners and buns in 10 minutes. Chestnut was the winner in eight previous contests. He finished 60 wieners. In the female division, Miki Sudo defended her title by finishing 38 wieners and buns in 10 minutes. Sonya Thomas was second with 31 wieners.

AL.com revealed that new citizens were also sworn in on July 4, 2015. The director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Baltimore district administered the oath of allegiance to 40 individuals from 27 countries at a ceremony in Baltimore. According to officials, over 4,000 new citizens in more than 50 naturalization ceremonies were sworn from July 1 to 4.

WAFB reported that in Washington, President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama also gave thanks to all military servicemen. The President said that all Americans enjoy their freedom because of the courage and services rendered by all men and women in the armed forces. A concert was also held at the venue, followed by a fireworks display.

In New York City, hundreds of thousands gathered to watch the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display.

In Philadelphia, gay rights activists also celebrated the 50th anniversary of a small protest held by 40 people on July 5, 1965. The activists celebrated the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court allowing same-sex marriage in the country, adding that there are more things to accomplish in the future.

Presidential hopefuls also grabbed the opportunity to meet supporters in Iowa and New Hampshire. Several candidates namely Jeb Bush, Rick Perry, Marco Rubio, Bernie Sanders, Bobby Jindal, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Chris Christie, Lindsey Graham, Lincoln Chafee and Martin O’Malley were present at various areas of the two states to celebrate with voters.