How American presidents have spent the Fourth of July

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obama fireworks

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

First Lady Michelle Obama, left, Malia Obama and President Barack Obama watch the Fourth of July fireworks from the roof of the White House, July 4, 2014.

When America has a birthday, the president is expected to throw it a party.

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While most of us honor our nation with a cookout and some fireworks, US presidents deliver patriotic speeches, honor troops, and even plan wars.

Others have used the time to recline in presidential fashion, and several have even died on America's birthday.

Here are some of the most interesting ways presidents have celebrated the Fourth of July.

Elena Schneider wrote an earlier version of this post.

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