Television celebrates America’s 230th birthday with marathons, fireworks and music for every taste.

¢ The Military Channel kicks off an eight-episode “American Chopper” (12 p.m., Military) marathon featuring military-tribute bikes. In addition to the eight repeat episodes, the marathon features footage of a recent barbecue thrown by the Orange Country Choppers, where they showed off their creations for servicemen and servicewomen from the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines.

¢ “Sesame Street” meets “Seinfeld” on “A Capitol Fourth” (7 p.m. PBS). Jason Alexander joins forces with Elmo to host the evening of patriotic music and fireworks. Performers include Stevie Wonder, Vanessa Williams, Michael Bolton, Jo Dee Messina and JoJo, as well as the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Erich Kunzel. The pyrotechnics will ascend to the strains of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with live cannon fire provided by the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery.

¢ Keith Lockhart celebrates his 12th season as conductor on the “Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular” (9 p.m., CBS). If last year is any guide, Lockhart’s orchestra will perform for more than 500,000 Bostonians gathered by the Charles River Esplanade. Millions more watched at home, making this the highest-rated Fourth of July celebration of 2005. The evening culminates with a commercial-free fireworks display to the sounds of “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

¢ Not to be outdone, New York City offers “Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” (8 p.m., NBC), hosted by Campbell Brown and Lester Holt of the “Today Show.” Musical guests include Nick Lachey and Lionel Richie. The festivities showcase the country’s largest fireworks display, promising the rockets’ red glare created by more than 40,000 shells exploding over New York Harbor, accompanied by the music of the New York Pops.

¢ Tom Selleck hosts “An American Celebration at Ford’s Theatre” (9 p.m., ABC). Talent includes trumpeter Chris Botti, comedian and presidential impersonator Steve Bridges, opera singer Heather Headley, country group Lonestar, comedian Kevin Nealon, teen singer Renee Olstead and Country solo artist Josh Turner.

“Celebration” was taped June 25 in front of a live audience, including many Washington dignitaries. First Lady Laura Bush serves as the honorary chairwoman of the gala.

¢ Josh Turner, Ronnie Milsap and Danielle Peck perform at “Music City July 4th Spectacular: Portrait of America” (7:30 p.m., GAC), live from Nashville’s Riverfront Park.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ Patrick Duffy hosts “A Hero’s Welcome” (7 p.m., CBS), celebrating selfless acts of kindness and bravery.

¢ On back-to-back episodes of “House” (Fox), even fakers get sick (7 p.m.), an accident leaves a writer unintelligible (8 p.m.).

¢ A party for Luke’s daughter on “Gilmore Girls” (7 p.m., WB).

¢ Passengers take on their terrorist hijackers in the 2003 drama “Flight 93” (7 p.m., History), the second cable drama to depict the true events of 9-11.

¢ An officer’s wife is held hostage on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS).