Americans celebrated the July Fourth holiday on Tuesday 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 was billed as the largest.
New Jersey and Maine ended partial government shutdowns just in time for the holiday.
A deal between Governor Chris Christie and legislative leaders allowed New Jersey to reopen parks and beaches, including Island Beach State Park, where the Star-Ledger newspaper on Sunday captured photos of Christie with family and friends.
The beach had been otherwise deserted because of the shutdown, prompting a barrage of internet satires placing Christie in his beach chair at famous beach scenes from D-Day to the movie "Planet of the Apes."
In New York, a 33-year-old American man set a world record by devouring 72 hot dogs in 10 minutes at an annual hot dog eating contest.
Joey "Jaws" Chestnut (L) during the contest /VCG Photo
Joey "Jaws" Chestnut won the 101st Nathan's Annual Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which attracts the world's hungriest competitive eaters.
This was Chestnut's 10th victory in the event. He downed 70 franks and buns in 10 minutes last year.
Men's winner Chestnut (R) and women's winner Miki Sudo presenting their Nathan's championship belts /VCG Photo
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.
Fireworks explode over the National Mall as the US Capitol (R) and National Monument are seen on July 4, 2017, in Washington, DC. /VCG Photo
(Source: Reuters, Xinhua)
