Parades, fireworks, naturalization ceremonies, eating contests and music ushered in the Fourth of July as the United States marked 239 years as an independent nation on Saturday. (Photo: AP)
Tony Oller, left, and Malcolm Kelley of MKTO perform during an Independence Day celebration in Philadelphia. (Photo: AP)
Baton twirlers march down North Grand Avenue during the 66th Annual Jaycees Independence Day Parade on Saturday. (Photo: AP)
Spectators wave American flags and cheer during an Independence Day celebration and naturalization ceremony at Monticello in Charlottesville. (Photo: AP)
Marine honor guards carry flags during Independence Day celebrations at Spaso House, the residence of the American Ambassador, in Moscow, Russia. (Photo: AP)
President Barack Obama says 'freedom is not free' but is paid for by all the men and women of the military, including those who blanketed the White House South Lawn for a concert in their honor by Bruno Mars. (Photo: AP)
Suzanne Podzemny, left, and Dassy Maisel embrace embrace during the National LGBT 50th Anniversary Ceremony in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. (Photo: AP)
The Celebration of Freedom is the 50th anniversary of a protest outside Independence Hall that is a milestone in the fight for gay rights. (Photo: AP)
The 25-minute show featured more than 50,000 shells set off from five barges on the river. (Photo: AP)
Hundreds of thousands of people braved tight security along New York City's East River to watch the annual Macy's Fourth of July fireworks display. (Photo: AP)
Freedom for many as America celebrates Independence Day