America celebrated her 237th birthday Thursday with the usual fourth of July fanfare.<br/> <br />In Washington DC, the nation's capital, hundreds of thousands gathered to watch a massive fireworks display set to the music of the military band playing Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture."<br/> <br />President Barack Obama led Washington's celebrations, which included a concert on the National Mall, by hosting members of the U.S. military and their families on the South Lawn of the White House.<br/> <br />The crowd of about 1,200 were treated to a barbecue and a concert by "The President's Own" Marine Band.<br/> <br />July Fourth is a national holiday in the U.S., which commemorates the the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain.
