America celebrates Independence Day

Americans turned out in full force to mark 247 years of the Declaration of Independence on Tuesday - with millions braving intense heat and rain to celebrate.

The less-than-agreeable weather was felt in places such as New York - where rain put a pause to the famed Nathan's Fourth of July hot dog eating contest - as well as the Midwest, where storms threatened to drown out cookouts and firework shows.

That said, most processions moved forward without a hitch - gracing millions with glittering, patriotic displays, often in red-white-and-blue. (Daily Mail)