MERRIMACK, NH — Thousands of people lined the D.W. Highway and Baboosic Lake Road on Thursday to watch the 4th of July parade in Merrimack. The weather was near perfect, with warm temperatures and no rain like last year.

Merrimack, New Hampshire, bursts with pride during its beloved 4th of July Parade every summer. This tradition, rooted deep in the town’s history, brings locals and visitors together for a joyous celebration. Families, businesses, and community groups eagerly participated, showcasing their creativity with floats and costumes that reflected the spirit of the day.

The parade, stretching more than one mile long, drew crowds who cheered as floats passed by. It was a chance for everyone to come together, wave flags, and enjoy the festivities. Kids especially loved collecting candy tossed from the floats.

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CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) — As the nation celebrates its 248th birthday, dozens of new U.S. citizens celebrated their own milestone Thursday. 

“I see freedom,” said Jonathan A. Monger as he looked up at the American flag waving on the pier near the USS Battleship New Jersey. “I see this nation being a great nation and the land of opportunities.”

Monger is one of 42 men and women who took their oath of American citizenship in a special ceremony aboard the Battleship New Jersey, including nine U.S. military service members. 

“It’s a journey that I’ve come through and I anticipate to go further and I appreciate this because it falls on Independence Day,” Monger said. “That makes it historic and it’s a great day in my life.”

The citizenship candidates were all lawful permanent residents and have met the requirements to naturalize, including passing a history and civics exam unless exempt. 

More than 878,500 new citizens were naturalized in fiscal year 2023 during ceremonies nationwide.

“All of us know every immigrant has a special story or incredible story to tell how our journey started and we believe in the process of this immigration and it’s a dream come true for us,” said Armand Arana, who immigrated to the northeast in 2006. “It’s freedom, opportunity and greatness.”

The citizenship candidates originate 21 countries: Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Jordan, Liberia, Mexico, Montenegro, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Venezuela.

Witnesses report July 4 fireworks in Harrisburg ended early amid fights and a shooting near the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. Reports suggest one person has been arrested, though these remain unconfirmed pending authorities’ statement.

“Harrisburg made an emergency announcement that the fireworks have ended early, and there are reports of fights and a shooting with juvenile detained near capitol building,” one person reported on Facebook.

Another witness wrote, “Due to an alleged shooting by the Capitol, They stopped the Fireworks display in downtown.”

A third person reported, “Everyone in Harrisburg watching the fireworks, PLEASE get home safe. There was a shooting as I heard from my friend, he was there.”

Videos from the scene showed chaotic scenes with people scattering in panic. According to a local journalist, “a shooting incident led to the city’s fireworks display being abruptly ended.”

This is a developing story and will be updated with more information