65,000 shells on five barges sitting in New York’s East River blasted off fireworks of red, white and blue into the night sky on Sunday night wowing audiences watching the spectacular display – the city’s biggest ever – both in person and on television.
50 pyrotechnicians had spent days loading the shells before the fuses were lit at 9:25pm as Americans marked their nation’s 245th birthday.
Tens of thousands of people gathered along the city’s East River in the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn in order to catch a glimpse of the impressive show.
As always, fireworks displays are the highlight of the July Fourth holiday, but the displays this year were seen as being extra special after the pandemic forced the cancellation of most of them in 2020.
Washington D.C.
In the nation’s capital, President Joe Biden held a 1,000 person July Fourth celebration on the White House lawn with essential workers and military families before watching the display over the National Mall from a balcony at the White House.
‘This year the Fourth of July is a day of special celebration. for we’re emerging from the darkness of a year of pandemic and isolation, a year of pain fear and heartbreaking loss,’ the president said before fireworks lit up the sky at 9pm.
Large crowds packed the National Mall for a huge fireworks display in yet another sign that the United States is looking to its July 4th holiday as a moment to put the virus in the rear view mirror.
Fireworks illuminate the sky above the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall during Independence Day celebrations
Red, white and blue fireworks filled the skies over National Mall
US President Joe Biden (2nd L), First Lady Jill Biden (2nd R), daughter Ashley Biden (R) and granddaughters Finnegan Biden (L) and Naomi Biden watch fireworks from the White House during Independence Day celebrations in Washington, DC
US President Joe Biden (2nd L), First Lady Jill Biden (L) and granddaughters Finnegan Biden (2nd R) and Naomi Biden watch fireworks from a balcony of the White House during Independence Day celebrations
Noting the lockdowns that shuttered businesses, put millions out of work and separated untold numbers of families, Biden said: ‘Today we’re closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus. That’s not to say the battle against COVID-19 is over. We’ve got a lot more work to do.’
Biden wanted all Americans to celebrate, too, after enduring 16 months of disruption in the pandemic and more than 605,000 deaths.
‘Two hundred and forty five years ago, we declared our independence from a distant king. Today, we are closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus,’ he told the crowd of invited military members and essential workers.
‘We´ve gained the upper hand against this virus,’ he said. But he added, ‘Don’t get me wrong: Covid-19 has not been vanquished. We all know powerful variants have emerged, like the Delta variant.’
‘This year the Fourth of July is a day of special celebration for we are emerging from the darkness of… a year of pandemic and isolation, a year of pain, fear and heartbreaking loss,’ Biden said.
The largest White House event since Biden took office in January included burgers and fireworks and was geared towards giving Americans something to celebrate as signs of normalcy have returned.
The White House encouraged gatherings and fireworks displays all around the country to mark – as though ripped from a Hollywood script – the nation’s ‘independence’ from the virus.
Biden talked about the coronavirus pandemic and changes the country has seen since 2020, as many Americans gathered for the holiday.
He struck an overwhelmingly optimistic note, suggesting that under his leadership the country — bitterly and at times violently divided during the Donald Trump presidency — was ‘coming back together.’
‘Over the last year, we have lived through some of our darkest days,’ Biden said. ‘We are about to see our brightest future.’
Biden mourned the people who died, praised Americans who aided in the country’s emergency response and said vaccines were the best defense against new variants of the virus.
‘It´s the most patriotic thing you can do,’ Biden said of getting vaccinated.
But the Biden administration was also eager to celebrate what it sees as its signature accomplishment – restoring some normalcy for a country weary of pandemic restrictions and hardship, burdens that have eased but not disappeared with the widespread availability of inoculations.
After the speech, the president and his guests watched a 17-minute fireworks display set off from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Fireworks illuminate the sky above the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall during Independence Day celebrations
People enjoy the fireworks as they gather for the annual Independence Day celebration at the National Mall in Washington
US President Joe Biden (2nd L), First Lady Jill Biden (3rd L), daughter Ashley Biden (2nd R) and granddaughters Finnegan Biden (L), Naomi Biden (3rd R) and Maisy Biden (R) watch fireworks from the White House
One of the biggest pyrotechnic shows in the country blasted off over the National Mall in Washington
President Joe Biden poses for a photo with granddaughter Finnegan Biden, from left, first lady Jill Biden, granddaughter Naomi Biden and daughter Ashley Biden as they view fireworks during an Independence Day celebration
The Biden’s grandchildren had some fun taking selfies as they stood on the balcony at the White House on Sunday evening
Visitors watch the Independence Day fireworks display near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall with many grabbing their cell phones to watch the display again later on through pictures and video
Visitors watch the Independence Day fireworks display near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall
The President and his granddaughters looked impressed with the display that had been laid on for the nation’s capitol
The first family watched fireworks on the National Mall from the Truman balcony of the White House
Fireworks go off over the National Mall as people celebrate America’s 245th Independence Day in Arlington, Virginia with a superb view of the National Mall
Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden wave next to granddaughters Finnegan Biden (2nd R) and Naomi Biden as they watch fireworks from a balcony at the White House
Fireworks explode over Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol, at the National Mall
Ashley Biden, the daughter of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden kisses her father as they watched the fireworks
Joe Biden’s Fourth of July speech in full: America is close to ‘independence from COVID’
President Joe Biden uses his Fourth of July speech to declare the US close to independence from COVID-19 despite missing 70% vaccination goal
Today we celebrate America. Freedom, our liberty, our independence. The Fourth of July, today of history, hope, remembrance and resolve with promise and possibilities. Before me stands the greatest and the goodness of our nation – monuments of life, liberty.
There is a towering memorial of George Washington. A general who led our revolution, the president who set our nation on its course. A memorial for Thomas Jefferson, whose words about liberty and equality changed the world. And across the tidal basin, from the Jefferson memorial, stands Dr. Martin Luther king Jr., his arms crossed, his eyes fixed ahead toward the promise land where equality is not only an aspiration but a reality.
They help define who we are. Guide what we do. Remind us of the works that they have given us in our own time.
This year, the Fourth of July, is a special celebration. We’re emerging from the darkness of a year of pandemic and isolation, a year of pain, fear and heartbreaking loss. Think back to where this nation was a year ago, to where you were a year ago. Think about how far we’ve come.
People waving the American flag. Fans back in their seats, cheering together, families, pressing hands against windows, to grandchildren and grandparents hugs, businesses are opening entirely. We’re seeing record job creation, and record economic growth, the best in four decades, I might add the best in the world.
Today all across the nation, we could say with confidence, America is coming back together.
245 years ago we declared our Independence from a distant king. Today we’re closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus. That is not to say the battle against Covid-19 is over, we have a lot more work to do. But just as our declaration of 1776 was was a call to action, not a reason for complacency, it was a call to action. The same is true today, back then we had the power of an idea on our side, today the power of science.
Thanks to our heroic vaccine efforts our economy is roaring back. Don’t get me wrong, Covid-19 has not been – we know that variants have emerged. Get vaccinated. The most patriotic thing you can do, please, if you have not gotten vaccinated, do it, do it now. For yourself. For your loved ones. For your community. For your country. You know, that is how we’ll stay ahead of this variant.
Never again want to be where we were a year ago today.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden watch fireworks on the National Hall from the White House’s Truman balcony
Today the virus has been vanquished. We know, it no longer controls our lives, and no longer paralyzes our nation. It is within our power to make sure it never does it again. For that, we can thank the scientists, researchers, educators and all other front line essential workers like many of you here today.
I hope you know that you, the American people, have been part of one of most remarkable achievements. In this moment of joy, you know that this day falls hard on those who lost a loved one, the number of Americans who lost their lives. Sons and daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents. Neighbors, coworkers, we remember all those who we lost this year. We have to remember.
Unlike every other nation on Earth, we were founded. We hold these truths to be self evident that all people are created equal and among them, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We have never fully lived up to the words but we never give up on them. Treat everyone with dignity and respect
All of the servicemen and women here tonight, all of you serving in the world, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Like so many military families, thank you. All part of a long chain for the sake of this nation. Peace and security and opportunity. Every one of us, every American. Each day we are reminded of the pursuit of happiness, drink clean water, and know our children and grandchildren are safe on this planet for generations to come.
Spirit of Independence. A nation. We are a great nation. We work to make it great. We unite in common causes. There is no limit to what we can achieve. Today we see the results of unity.
Together we are beating the virus, together. Over the past year. We have come through some of our darkest days. The brightest future. This is a special nation, a great nation, no matter your race or ethnicity or gender or faith.
Unite America. Whether your ancestors are native to the land or immigrants, or you are coming here today looking to build a better life for your family, like our fellow Americans that I just swore in, in the White House two days ago. The American dream, we use that phrase, the American dream. It was written a long time ago.
My fellow Americans, now we’re the guardians of the idea of America, it is up to us to save it to preserve it, to build on it. And I know we will. I look out to those monuments, and beyond them to the hearts of the people across the land, I know this is never ever been a good bet to bet against America, never.
Remember who we are. We are the United States of America. There is nothing, nothing we can’t do if we do it together. Happy Fourth of July America. God bless you. May God protect our troops.
Visitors watch the Independence Day fireworks display near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall
Both the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial can be seen clearly as fireworks rain down on both landmarks
The Independence Day fireworks, part of the Fourth of July celebration, are seen from the Jefferson Memorial in Washington
Visitors watch the Independence Day fireworks display near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall
The Washington Monument was bathed in fireworks of all shapes and sizes on Sunday night
The South Portico of the White House is illuminated with the colors of the US national flag during a celebration of Independence Day
The Capitol can be seen with fireworks blasting off around it
A couple hugs as visitors wait prior to watching the Independence Day fireworks display near the Lincoln Memorial
People await the firework show in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in celebration of Independence Day
Gilbert Rodriguez, 6, from Long Beach, California; holds the US national flag on his father Eddie Rodriguez’s shoulders as US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the South Lawn of the White House
People gather for the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration at the National Mall in Washington
People wear US flag-themed hats as visitors arrive prior to watching the Independence Day fireworks display near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall
President Joe Biden speaks during a Fourth of July BBQ event to celebrate Independence Day at the South Lawn of the White House July
President Joe Biden speaks during an Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn of the White House
President Joe Biden speaks during an Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn of the White House
President Joe Biden poses for a photo with attendees during an Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn
Guests listen to U.S. President Joe Biden’s remarks during a Fourth of July BBQ event to celebrate Independence Day
People gather for the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration at the National Mall in Washington
New York City
In New York City display also saw fireworks launched from the top of the Empire State Building with the organizers saying the display was to ‘pay tribute to everyday heroes’.
At the display’s most spectacular moment, thousands of golden-hued shells created a dramatic cascade effect 1,000-feet in the air and more than a mile wide across the East River.
Lighting up the night’s sky not only delights crowds but restore a lifelines this year for the businesses that supply the 16,000 July Fourth fireworks displays that typically occur in cities and towns across the country. Last year, only a few went on with the show.
The Empire State Building was seen ablaze in color as pyrotechnics blasted from the 102nd floor
The Statue of Liberty can be seen serenaded by fireworks inNew York City firework display
Fireworks explode over the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline for the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Spectators watch from the Queens borough of New York as fireworks are launched over the East River and the Empire State Building
Red, white and blue fireworks filled the skies over the East River of Manhattan
Spectators watch as fireworks are launched over the East River and the Empire State Building
Spectators watch as fireworks are launched over the East River and the Empire State Building
People watch as fireworks are launched from the Empire State Building as part of the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Fireworks explode over the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline during the biggest display in New York’s history
Spectators watch fireworks explode during the 45th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks overlooking the Manhattan skyline
Macy’s Fourth of July Firework’s Display – A New York tradition since 1976
America’s biggest Independence Day celebration took place in New York City on Sunday night as the 45th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks lit up the night sky.
This year’s Macy’s Fireworks Show launched more than 65,000 shells and effects from five barges positioned on the East River centered in midtown, delighting New York City spectators and a nationwide television audience.
The company described the fireworks as ‘eclipsing fans, triple linking rainbows, blue jellyfish with crackling tentacles and red, white and blue waterfalls, creating dramatic effects a mile across the river and from 1,000 feet in the air to the water’s edge.’
Gary Sousa, show designer, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks poses as more than 65,000 shells and effects are prepared for the nation’s largest Independence Day Celebration
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks take shape as more than 65,000 shells and effects are prepared for the nation’s largest Independence Day Celebration
It takes 12 days of work to organize seven containers, six trucks and seven forklifts to load and ignite the Macy’s Fireworks show.
60 expert pyrotechnicians were on hand to make sure the show goes off without incident.
More than 2,600 different shells get fired off each minute (65,000 shells in total) during the 25 minute show.
50 miles of cabling and 1,600 lines of computer-programmed cues are required to in order to launch the synchronized fireworks.
The show takes over a year to create: from the soundtrack to perfectly timed color explosions that brighten up the sky, everything is tuned up and synchronized to perfection.
Macy’s never reveals the cost of the event, but the show is believed to cost at least $6 million just for the fireworks themselves.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks take shape as more than 65,000 shells and effects are prepared for the nation’s largest Independence Day Celebration
A sign warning people to stay away as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks take shape prior to Sunday night’s celebration
Spectators watch from Queens as fireworks are launched over the East River and Empire State Building
A person in an Uncle Sam hat watches the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks in New York City
Spectators watch fireworks explode from Gantry State Plaza in Long Island City
This year’s celebration in New York City was larger and longer, running at 25 minutes, as a testament to the city’s improvement over COVID-19
The Macy’s fireworks spectacular is seen on Sunday night in New York City
This year’s celebration was larger and longer, running at 25 minutes
Spectators wait for the 45th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display overlooking the Manhattan skyline at Gantry State Plaza in Long Island City
A woman gives a ‘thumbs up’ while waiting for New York’s fireworks on Sunday which was slated to be larger and longer, running at 25 minutes. Last year’s fireworks display was spread over four nights and multiple boroughs in an effort to limit gatherings and slow the spread of COVID-19
: Water show displayed as people are gathered in Long Island City to watch Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
A view of the ‘Manhattanhenge’ sunset as people are gathered in Long Island City to watch the display
A view of the ‘Manhattanhenge’ sunset could be seen on Sunday night before the fireworks display
Helicopters fly over the sky as people are gathered in Long Island City
A water show is displayed as people are gathered in Long Island City to watch the fireworks
People are pictured gathered in Long Island City along the banks of the East River to watch the spectacular display