From parades to fireworks, a look at how the US is preparing for Independence Day celebrations

SUMMARY

The national holiday to mark America's birth as a country will be filled with parades, concerts, competitive eating and of course, fireworks. But Independence Day won't be free from politics, as President Donald Trump's plan for a celebration in Washington featuring a display of tanks, fighter jets and a stealth bomber is garnering support from some and protests from others.

By APJul 4, 2019 11:38:24 AM IST (Published)

The national holiday to mark America's birth as a country will be filled with parades, concerts, competitive eating and of course, fireworks. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Activist Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the anti-war group Code Pink hols a sign that reads "Tanks But No Tanks DC Residents as she speaks at a news conference in front of the Lincoln Memorial near where workers set up for President Donald Trump's 'Salute to America' event honouring service branches on Independence Day. The group is upset by restrictions against flying their "Trump Baby" balloon tomorrow. President Donald Trump's plan for a celebration in Washington featuring a display of tanks, fighter jets and a stealth bomber is garnering support from some and protests from others.(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Eleven-time and defending men's champion Joey Chestnut, from left, master of ceremonies George Shea and defending women's champion Miki Sudo pose together. In New York City, how manyhot dogs will be the question of the day at the annual Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest on New York's Coney Island boardwalk. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Eleven-time and defending men's champion Joey Chestnut and former champion and number three ranked eater in the world Matt Stonie pose together during Nathan's Famous International Fourth of July hot dog eating contest weigh-in at the Empire State Building. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Queen Latifah performs during the dress rehearsal for the annual July Fourth Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in Boston. The Boston Pops Orchestra will perform its annual outdoor concert on the banks of the Charles River in Boston, culminating in a rendition of the "1812 Overture" and a fireworks display. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Queen Latifah performs during the dress rehearsal for the annual July Fourth Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in Boston. Tens of thousands of revellers are expected to turn out under heavy security for the concert. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Audience members cheer during the dress rehearsal for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)