i can't wait to share that with the audience and of course our nations red rans a group i'm proud to be a part of, an enormous part why we're able to celebrate in the land of the free tonight. we hear from america's bravest through the generations and the sacrifices they've made on and off the battlefield. >> and no fourth of july would be complete without nathan's famous hotdog eating con test where i got a behind the scenes peek at what goes down before the competition. >> hey girl. and can you pass my u.s. history 101 test? i hit bush stadium in st. louis to grill the biggest fans of america's favorite past time. see if you measure up ahead. >> first we want to talk about why we love the fourth of july, of course, and america and our favorite traditions and what is there not to like about celebrating america's birthday and reflecting on only positive things about this country. unity and patriotism. you get one day a year to do it and today's the day. >> probably my favorite thing about america is the spectacular possibilities of life here.