July 4th is a national holiday in the United States. It's a celebration of the nation's independence in 1776.

The Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.theccip.com) J-1 interns celebrated the holiday across New York. In Dumbo, Brooklyn, the main group watched the Macy's fireworks display under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Minton, the group leader for the Dumbo celebration said, "Even though the crowds and congestion were huge, all of us were awe-struck by the display of light and color that went on for 20 minutes. There was even a segment where sparklers gently cascaded down the side of the bridge, giving the impression of a waterfall." Minton studies Mechanical Engineering at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. This was Minton's first time watching fireworks in NYC.

Another group, which included Calvin, Gary, Young, Eric, Sheron, Leslie, Emma, Levinna, and Emily, joined Stefan, a 2015 alumni, to celebrate on Jones Beach in Long Island and watch another fireworks display.

"The weather was beautiful, and with all the people hanging out together, the atmosphere was carefree and joyful. The experience was both relaxing and invigorating," said Emily, who interns this summer at FUSIA Communications, the organizer of CCIP. It was also Emily's first time visiting a NYC beach.