PBS takes social media heat for using file footage of fireworks during rainy 4th of July broadcast

The Public Broadcasting Service was criticized on social media after combining file footage with live images during Monday's 4th of July fireworks coverage in Washington, D.C.

The live coverage of PBS's "A Capitol Fourth" covered the Independence Day fireworks festivities at the National Mall in the nation's capital.

Rain and cloud cover during the display made the fireworks difficult to see so PBS used file video of past shows.

"We are very proud of the 2016 A Capitol Fourth celebration," PBS Tweeted early Tuesday morning. "Because this year's fireworks were difficult to see due to the weather, we made the decision to intercut fireworks footage from previous A Capitol Fourth concerts for the best possible television viewing experience. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused."

Earlier on Monday evening PBS tweeted that the combining the footage was the patriotic thing to do.

PBS has hosted A Capitol Fourth for over 30 years.