Americans celebrated the July Fourth holiday on Tuesday (July 4) with the reopening of a New Jersey beach closed to everyone but the governor after a government shutdown, a record-setting hot-dog eating contest and fireworks displays across the country.

In many cities, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, crowds gathered under now-usual security precautions for concerts and fireworks displays. New York's display, billed as the largest, was set to go off over the East River where it could be seen from the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.

The crowd in Washington, D.C. watched a number of performances by eclectic bands including the Blues Brothers, the Beach Boys and Gospel singer Yolanda Adams who did a rendition of God Bless America during a spectacular fireworks show over the National Mall.

The United States commemorated the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the 13 American colonies on July 4, 1776. The document proclaims unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

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