That message seemed to reverberate as much as ever as the United States marked the year before its 250th birthday, even amid an undercurrent of uncertainty. Some who were at the parade talked about their mixed feelings celebrating America, even as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” blared on the speakers.

Independence Day parades, another Joey Chestnut win and fireworks marked Friday's Fourth of July celebrations across the U.S. The big picture: Millions of Americans traveled for the holiday, facing sweltering heat,