From coast to coast and border to border, communities across the United States celebrate the Fourth of July with parades, picnics, fireworks, bonfires and barbecues. While traditional elements of the annual festivities remain the foundation of the celebration, each locale puts its own unique spin on the party.

In Boston, Fourth of July means the annual turnaround of the USS Constitution (built in 1797), when the venerable warship cruises from its berth at the Charlestown Navy Yard through Boston Harbor to Castle Island. This year’s festivities hold special significance, celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 — and marking the anniversary of the battles that earned the 44-gun wooden warship her nickname, “Old Ironsides.”

I was on a friend’s boat yesterday, one of thousands of boats anchored in the harbor to watch the spectacle.  “Old Ironsides” was as graceful as ever as she plied the harbor accompanied by the USS Eagle.  As she made her turn, a roar filled the air as the Blue Angels did a tribute flyover in a spectacular 18^th-century-meets-21^st-century moment.

— Lisa Matte, editor in chief