NEW YORK - Americans celebrated their country's birthday on Tuesday with fireworks, parades and competitive hot dog eating, marking a day of shared traditions in a nation that has grappled with divides this past year.

In New York, throngs were expected to watch the annual Macy's fireworks blowout and the Nathan's Famous frankfurter-chomping contest on Coney Island on Wednesday.

In Washington, President Donald Trump is observing his first Independence Day in office by hosting a White House picnic for military families, followed by a fireworks viewing event for military families and staffers.