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In Rwanda, July 4 Isn't Independence Day — It's Liberation Day

Thousands gather to celebrate Liberation Day in Shyira, Rwanda. Twenty-three years ago, a rebel army led by Paul Kagame, now the president, marched into Kigali to end a genocide against the Tutsi minority. Eyder Peralta/NPR hide caption

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Eyder Peralta/NPR

Parallels

In Rwanda, July 4 Isn't Independence Day — It's Liberation Day

It's a national holiday commemorating the day in 1994 when the killing stopped, marking the end of a 100-day genocide that left nearly a million Rwandans dead.

In Rwanda, July 4 Isn't Independence Day — It's Liberation Day

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Should PBS Have Shown Old Fireworks Footage In Its July 4th Show?

Fireworks explode over the National Mall during the 2015 July 4 fireworks show in Washington, D.C. For its 2016 Independence Day show, PBS used stock footage from previous shows, due to bad weather in the capital. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Should PBS Have Shown Old Fireworks Footage In Its July 4th Show?

One commenter called it "the Milli Vanilli of fireworks"; another stated, "current mood: disbelieving moon landing."

On A Tight Travel Budget? You'll Appreciate This Year's July 4 Bargains

Crowds gather to watch the Fourth of July fireworks show last year at Kailua Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Julie Thurston Photography via Getty Images hide caption

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Julie Thurston Photography via Getty Images

The Two-Way

On A Tight Travel Budget? You'll Appreciate This Year's July 4 Bargains

Record numbers of Americans are expected to be traveling over the long holiday weekend. Both gasoline prices and airfares are down from 2015, making holiday trips more affordable for millions.

Just A Few Important Words About The Declaration Of Independence

Artist John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence. It can be seen in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. /Library of Congress hide caption

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The Two-Way

Just A Few Important Words About The Declaration Of Independence

Along with the words and phrases that still ring out 239 years later are less noticed turns of phrase. They say a lot about the messages Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers wanted to send.

Just A Few Important Words About The Declaration Of Independence

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VIDEO: California Fireworks Mishap Injures Dozens

At least 28 people were injured Thursday in Simi Valley, Calif., when many of the fireworks at a July 4th celebration ignited too close to the ground. People there caught the accident and posted videos. YouTube.com hide caption

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YouTube.com

The Two-Way

VIDEO: California Fireworks Mishap Injures Dozens

A large number of the explosives went off far too close to the ground. At least 28 people were hurt, though most of the injuries are said to be minor. Onlookers caught the chaos on video.

Here She Is: Statue Of Liberty Reopens On Independence Day

She's open for visitors again. Reena Rose Sibayan /The Jersey Journal/Landov hide caption

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Reena Rose Sibayan /The Jersey Journal/Landov

The Two-Way

Here She Is: Statue Of Liberty Reopens On Independence Day

The statue wasn't damaged, but Liberty Island was pummeled last fall by Superstorm Sandy. Now, just in time for July 4th celebrations, the island and the statue are open again to visitors. If you can't be there, webcams provide beautiful views. Also, WNYC has a video report on Lady Liberty's history.

Fewer Fireworks This July 4th; Wildfires, Drought And Derecho To Blame

Fireworks over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2008. Photo taken from hear the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. Karen Bleier /AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Karen Bleier /AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Fewer Fireworks This July 4th; Wildfires, Drought And Derecho To Blame

Many towns, counties and cities are canceling fireworks celebrations or banning personal use of fireworks. But the show is set to go on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Want to get in a patriotic mood? Check the PBS video from 2007.