Spectacular fireworks in DC and NY to celebrate Fourth of July

Dazzling displays of fireworks lit up the night's sky in Washington D.C. and New York on Saturday, as part of the United States' Independence Day celebrations.

Even as officials across the country pleaded with Americans to curb their enthusiasm for large Fourth of July crowds, with coronavirus infections on the rise, Trump enticed the masses with a “special evening” of tribute and fireworks.

Yet the D.C. crowds wandering the National Mall for the air show and fireworks were strikingly thinner those the gathering for last year's jammed celebration on the Mall.

Many who showed up wore masks, unlike those seated close together for Trump's South Lawn event, and distancing was easy to do for those scattered across the sprawling space.

Trump did not hesitate to use the country's birthday as an occasion to assail segments of the country that do not support him.

On a day meant for unity and celebration, he vowed to “safeguard our values” from enemies within - leftists, looters, agitators, he said - in a Fourth of July speech packed with all the grievances and combativeness of his political rallies.

(Image credit: Internet)