WASHINGTON Thousands of Americans flocked to the National Mall to celebrate the Fourth of July with a fireworks display performances by Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow and selections from the Lincoln score played by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Diamond sang Sweet Caroline in tribute to victims and survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing while composer John Williams conducted portions of his Lincoln score following a video introduction from the movie's director Steven Spielberg.
Manilow closed out the annual Capitol Fourth concert Thursday night with Let Freedom Ring before the crowd streamed away from the Capitol's west lawn to see the fireworks at the other end of the Mall. Covered in scaffolding for repairs following an earthquake nearly two years ago the Washington Monument provided the backdrop for the 17 minute display.
Loading SlideshowWASHINGTON DC JULY 04 Fireworks light up the sky over the Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. July 4th is a national holiday with the nation celebrating its 238th birthday. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 Fireworks light up the sky over the Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. July 4th is a national holiday with the nation celebrating its 238th birthday. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 Fireworks light up the sky over the Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. July 4th is a national holiday with the nation celebrating its 238th birthday. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 Fireworks light up the sky over the Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. July 4th is a national holiday with the nation celebrating its 238th birthday. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 Fireworks light up the sky over the Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. July 4th is a national holiday with the nation celebrating its 238th birthday. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks are seen over the Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP PHOTO / MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
People watch fireworks burst behind the Washington Monument on the National Mall July 4 2013 in Washington DC. The United States celebrated the 237th anniversary of independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
People watch fireworks burst behind the Washington Monument on the National Mall July 4 2013 in Washington DC. The United States celebrated the 237th anniversary of independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks are seen over the Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP PHOTO / MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Fourth of July US Independence Day fireworks are seen over the US Capitol and Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP Photo/Paul J. Richards (Photo credit should read PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)
A DC Metro Police car passes the future site of the Smithsonian African American History Museum as fireworks burst behind the Washington Monument on the National Mall July 4 2013 in Washington DC. The United States celebrated the 237th anniversary of independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 Fireworks light up the sky over the Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. July 4th is a national holiday with the nation celebrating its 238th birthday. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 Fireworks light up the sky over the Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. July 4th is a national holiday with the nation celebrating its 238th birthday. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Scaffolding is seen on the Washington Monument which is being repaired after an earthquake in 2011 as fireworks burst it on the National Mall July 4 2013 in Washington DC. The United States celebrated the 237th anniversary of independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
People watch fireworks burst behind the Washington Monument and the future site of the Smithsonian African American History Museum on the National Mall July 4 2013 in Washington DC. The United States celebrated the 237th anniversary of independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Fourth of July US Independence Day fireworks are seen over the US Capitol and Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP Photo/Paul J. Richards (Photo credit should read PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 Fireworks light up the sky over the Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. July 4th is a national holiday with the nation celebrating its 238th birthday. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
A man watches fireworks burst behind the Washington Monument on the National Mall July 4 2013 in Washington DC. The United States celebrated the 237th anniversary of independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks are seen over the Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP PHOTO / MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks are seen over the Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP PHOTO / MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks are seen over the Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP PHOTO / MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks are seen over the Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP PHOTO / MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks are seen over the Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP PHOTO / MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks are seen over the Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP PHOTO / MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 Fireworks light up the sky over the Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. July 4th is a national holiday with the nation celebrating its 238th birthday. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks are seen over the Washington Monument July 4 2013 in Washington DC AFP PHOTO / MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 Fireworks light up the sky over the Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. July 4th is a national holiday with the nation celebrating its 238th birthday. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
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First lady Michelle Obama left with members of the military wave during a Fourth of July celebration with military members and their families on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
President Barack Obama holds a baby as he and first lady Michelle Obama not in picture greets members of the military and their families during a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Robin Muthg (2R) and Bob Phillips (R) pose while waiting with other volunteers on the South Lawn of the White House ON July 4 2013 in Washington DC. US President Barack Obama and the first family will host members of the US armed services and their families to celebrate the 237th anniversary of the United States's independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
The White House is adorned in preparation for the a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013 hosted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
The White House is adorned in preparation for the a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013 hosted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
First lady Michelle Obama right and President Barack Obama obscured greet members of the military and their families during a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
First lady Michelle Obama from right and President Barack Obama greet members of the military and their families during a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
President Barack Obama right and first lady Michelle Obama walk down the South Portico steps during a Fourth of July celebration with members of the military and their families on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Yale Scott who worked for the White House visitor center shows his spirit as he attends a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013 hosted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
President Barack Obama back center greets members of the military and their families during a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
President Barack Obama back right greets members of the military and their families during a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
US President Barack Obama and US first lady Michelle Obama walk to the South Lawn of the White House July 4 2013 in Washington DC. US President Barack Obama and the first family will host members of the US armed services and their families to celebrate the 237th anniversary of the United States's independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
President Barack Obama third from right with first lady Michelle Obama second from left and members of the military speaks during a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
President Barack Obama right and first lady Michelle Obama second from left give their applause during a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday July 4 2013. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
US President Barack Obama speaks from a balcony above the Marine Band on the South Lawn of the White House July 4 2013 in Washington DC. US President Barack Obama and the first family will host members of the US armed services and their families to celebrate the 237th anniversary of the United States's independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Guests listen while US President Barack Obama speaks on the South Lawn of the White House July 4 2013 in Washington DC. US President Barack Obama and the first family will host members of the US armed services and their families to celebrate the 237th anniversary of the United States's independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 The South Lawn of the White House is prepared for a barbeque hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. The president and first lady are hosting members of the military and their families in commemoration of Independence Day. (Photo by Ron Sachs Pool/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 U.S. President Barack Obama flashes a thumbs up to a well wisher as he works a rope line following his making remarks as he and first lady Michelle Obama during a Fourth of July barbecue hosted by he and first lady Michelle Obama for military heroes and their families on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. The president and first lady are hosting members of the military and their families in commemoration of Independence Day. (Photo by Ron Sachs Pool/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC JULY 04 An unidentified young girl sits on her father's shoulders as they listen to U.S. President Barack Obama's remarks as he and first lady Michelle Obama host a Fourth of July barbecue for military heroes and their families on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4 2013 in Washington DC. The president and first lady are hosting members of the military and their families in commemoration of Independence Day. (Photo by Ron Sachs Pool/Getty Images)
People wait for the arrival of US President Barack Obama on the South Lawn of the White House July 4 2013 in Washington DC. US President Barack Obama and the first family will host members of the US armed services and their families to celebrate the 237th anniversary of the United States's independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
People visit the South Lawn of the White House July 4 2013 in Washington DC. US President Barack Obama and the first family will host members of the US armed services and their families to celebrate the 237th anniversary of the United States's independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Yale Scott (L) a former member of the White House Visitors Office waits for US President Barack Obama to speak on the South Lawn of the White House July 4 2013 in Washington DC. US President Barack Obama and the first family will host members of the US armed services and their families to celebrate the 237th anniversary of the United States's independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
People play on the South Lawn of the White House July 4 2013 in Washington DC. US President Barack Obama and the first family will host members of the US armed services and their families to celebrate the 237th anniversary of the United States's independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Guests gather on the South Lawn of the White House July 4 2013 in Washington DC. US President Barack Obama and the first family will host members of the US armed services and their families to celebrate the 237th anniversary of the United States's independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
A Marine and other guests stand on the South Lawn of the White House July 4 2013 in Washington DC. US President Barack Obama and the first family will host members of the US armed services and their families to celebrate the 237th anniversary of the United States's independence from the British Empire. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
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