Americans Celebrate Independence Day

 Milllions of people across the United States have celebrated¹ Independence Day by watching fireworks displays.

Hundreds of thousands braved record heat in Washington for the annual July 4th concert and fireworks.

Fireworks lit the skies over hallowed battlefields from the War of 1812 and the American Civil War. Big fireworks shows were also held in Philadelphia -- the nation's first capital -- and for New York City.

Earlier Wednesday, President Barack Obama welcomed 25 active duty U.S. service members as new American citizens sworn in at the White House. Mr. Obama said "immigration makes America stronger." The 25 who took the oath of allegiance to their new home come from 17 different countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Nigeria and Russia. But it is a disappointing holiday this year for many Americans. More than 1 million people in the East are still without power after last Friday's vicious wind and rain storm. Millions also are sweltering through a brutal² heat wave that has sent temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius³ (100 Fahrenheit) in some places.

The heat, drought and wildfires still burning in the West have moved authorities to cancel fireworks shows in cities and towns in 20 states.

This year's 4th of July celebration marks the 236th anniversary of the country's declaration of independence from Britain. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson in June 1776, the Declaration of Independence is America's most cherished symbol of freedom.

The Continental⁴ Congress formally approved the document weeks later, on July 4.

1 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

2 brutal   

adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的

参考例句：

• She has to face the brutal reality.她不得不去面对冷酷的现实。
• They're brutal people behind their civilised veneer.他们表面上温文有礼，骨子里却是野蛮残忍。

3 Celsius   

adj.摄氏温度计的，摄氏的

参考例句：

• The temperature tonight will fall to seven degrees Celsius.今晚气温将下降到七摄氏度。
• The maximum temperature in July may be 36 degrees Celsius.七月份最高温度可能达到36摄氏度。

4 continental   

adj.大陆的，大陆性的，欧洲大陆的

参考例句：

• A continental climate is different from an insular one.大陆性气候不同于岛屿气候。
• The most ancient parts of the continental crust are 4000 million years old.大陆地壳最古老的部分有40亿年历史。