Communities across Southern California celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday Saturday with fireworks, patriotic gatherings and reflections on what Independence Day means to them.
In Long Beach, crowds gathered aboard the Queen Mary for what organizers described as the city’s largest fireworks show ever. The event also marked the historic ocean liner’s 90th anniversary since its maiden voyage.
“We’re so blessed in America to have the rights that we have. There’s no place like it,” said Tammy Hill, who attended the Queen Mary Fourth of July celebration…