The Fourth of July is about all things American: parades, cookouts, cold beer and of course, fireworks. Those pyrotechnics remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making.

The Fourth of July is a celebration of all things American with parades, backyard barbecues and the night sky lit up with fireworks.

LL Cool J is pulling out of a Fourth of July concert in Philadelphia in solidarity with city workers unionized with District Council 33, who went on strike on Tuesday after the AFSCME union failed to reach a deal with the city.

Friday marks the 249 th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence — and the Fourth of July holiday has become one filled with fireworks, musical celebrations and other flag-waving opportunities.

As Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and parades, many businesses and services will alter their hours or close altogether for the Fourth of July. As is standard practice, U.S. stock markets will be closed on Friday in observance of Independence Day.