Washington Monument lit up as US 250th founding celebrations begin

The United States kicked off a six-night light show at Washington D.C.'s iconic Washington Monument on Wednesday, December 31, to mark the nation's founding in 1776 as it celebrates its 250th anniversary.

As part of the New Year’s Eve festivities, a countdown timer was projected on the monument, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the capital.

The light show will feature projections of key moments in U.S. history on the monument, including the discovery of the continent, the American War of Independence, the Industrial Revolution, and significant events of the 20th century.

-Production: Gabriel Goh, Greg Savoy, Andrea Rodriguez/Reuters