Obama leads US Independence Day celebrations

Americans have celebrated their nation's 234th Independence Day with parades and fireworks all over the country.

In Washington, crowds gathered on the National Mall and were treated to 17 minutes of fireworks, shot off behind the Washington Monument.

The evening's festivities began with a holiday concert featuring the National Symphony Orchestra. It is estimated that more than 400,000 people turned out for the occasion.

Barack Obama celebrated the holiday by hosting members of the military and their families for a barbecue, a concert and a view of fireworks on the South Lawn of the White House.

"On this day that is uniquely American, we are reminded that our declaration, our example, made us a beacon to the world," Obama said.

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.