As fireworks lit up the sky, firearms displayed an uglier face of US culture

America's national day became a twisted showcase of another form of US exceptionalism: its exceptionally easy access to guns and the resultant mayhem

The United States marked 246 years of independence with the traditional fireworks, flag-waving and barbecues - but this Fourth of July was also marred by an eruption of gun violence in dozens of cities across the nation.

As America celebrated its declaration of freedom from colonial rule on Monday, its national day became a twisted showcase of another form of US exceptionalism: its exceptionally easy access to guns and the resultant mayhem. While fireworks lit up the night sky, the ugly impact of firearms was also widely on display.