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Fireworks lit the sky as Americans celebrated 227 years of the country's independence.

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Colourful parades were held all over the country...

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...with traditional Elvis Presley impersonators...

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...and cheerleaders performing for cheering crowds.

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New York staged its famous annual Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.

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President George W Bush used the occasion to praise US troops at home and abroad.

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US soldiers from the 4th Battalion 64th Armor Combat Team celebrated on the beach.

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Anti-war campaigners held rallies against US involvement in Iraq.

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For some all the festivities were just too much to take in a single day.