Independence Day in Washington (18 images)

Fireworks explode in the sky above the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol as the nation celebrates its Independence Day in Washington on July 4, 2008. View courtesy of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission. (UPI Photo/Patrick D. McDermott)

Flags wave in the wind near the Washington Monument as the Independence Day fireworks begin at The Mall in Washington on July 4th, 2007. (UPI Photo/David Brody)

Fireworks explode over the nations capitol in honor of Independence day, in Washington on July 4, 2006. (UPI Photo/Kevin Dietsch)

People return to the National Mall and stakeout a spot, after an evacuation due to a tornado warning, for the annual Independence Day celebration in Washington on July 4, 2007. (UPI Photo/Alexis C. Glenn)..