Tuesday marks the 241st American Independence Day, "the great anniversary festival,"in the words of founding father John Adams.
"It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more," Adams wrote.
While many Americans will no doubt live up to Adams' expectations, many US soldiers, sailors, Marines, and coastguardsmen will have to celebrate the holiday far from home.
Below, you can see photos of the missions and duties that have taken those men and women away from home this July Fourth.
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Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Lucas Mclean, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, displays his patriotic body art aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), June 30, 2017.
Sailors man a .50-caliber machine gun aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) as the ship transits the Norwegian Sea, June 29, 2017.
An F-15E Strike Eagle fires flares during a flight in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, June 21, 2017.
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