America Celebrates 250th Birthday with Fireworks, Travel and Historic Coast-to-Coast Festivities

Americans from coast to coast are celebrating the nation's 250th birthday with patriotic displays, spectacular fireworks and historic events marking a milestone Independence Day.

Communities across the country are finding unique ways to honor the anniversary. In North Carolina, an artist mowed a giant "250" into a lawn, while hundreds of people in Philadelphia came together to form a human Liberty Bell, symbolizing the nation's rich history.

Boston kicked off the celebrations with an early fireworks display, while New York welcomed majestic tall ships and crews finalized preparations for its renowned holiday festivities.

In Washington, D.C., organizers are putting the finishing touches on what is being billed as the world's largest fireworks display for the Freedom 250 "Salute to America" celebration. Pyrotechnics experts say the show will be significantly larger than a traditional Fourth of July display.

President Trump is scheduled to speak on the National Mall during Saturday's festivities. Because of forecast triple-digit temperatures, organizers have delayed the event's start from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Officials are encouraging attendees to stay hydrated and take precautions against the dangerous heat.

The extreme temperatures have already led to heat-related medical emergencies during holiday events in other parts of the country. Emergency crews in Berks County, Pennsylvania, said they responded to so many heat-related calls that they lost count.

Despite the weather, millions of Americans are still expected to hit the road and take to the skies. AAA estimates more than 72 million people will travel during the holiday weekend, although thunderstorms in the South have caused flight delays and high temperatures have disrupted some rail service.

Officials say the nation's 250th birthday is a once-in-a-generation celebration and are encouraging everyone to enjoy the festivities safely while keeping a close eye on both the weather and the skies.

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