Happy birthday, America!
This week marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, and New York City is filled with celebrations over the next few days.
There’s quite a lineup, including the largest naval parade ever and a thrilling performance from the Blue Angels. Numerous events will be happening in all five boroughs to commemorate this milestone.
Here’s a look at some of the major highlights for the public in New York City.
An impressive procession of over 80 ships and 150 aircraft from different militaries around the world will take part in this unique six-day celebration.
The Grand Parade of Sails is set to be the main feature of the week, marking the biggest parade of ships to enter the Ports of New York and New Jersey.
- On July 3rd, a preliminary parade featuring 24 tall ships will make its way down the East River, pausing at South Street Harbor before anchoring in Gravesend Bay, Brooklyn.
- July 4th will kick off the Grand Parade of Sails in the morning, showcasing a fleet that includes 43 Class A tall ships and 22 Class B vessels. The USCGC Eagle, America’s tall ship, will lead, sailing past iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge. Simultaneously, 37 naval vessels from the U.S. and allied countries will participate in the International Naval Review 250 along the Hudson River.
- From July 5th to 7th, visitors can board and explore the tall ships docked around Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. While the tours are free, tickets must be reserved.
- On July 8th, a Class A tall ship will set off for Boston, where four of the surviving “Five Sisters” will compete in the International Perpetual Challenge Cup on July 9th.
This year, Fleet Week, which typically occurs during Memorial Day weekend, has been rescheduled to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the nation. Active-duty Marines will be in New York from July 3rd to July 8th.
On July 4th, the Navy will hold an international ship review ceremony, featuring 53 U.S. and foreign warships, which will continue their journey along the Hudson River. The public can tour these impressive vessels and expect military demonstrations, including search and rescue displays.
The Navy’s Blue Angels are also scheduled to perform over New York Harbor and New Jersey on July 4th. This elite flight team will lead the international aviation review with over 100 aircraft from the U.S. and allied nations. Their usual performance on Long Island’s Jones Beach has been postponed to honor the anniversary.
In Times Square, the iconic ball will drop in a New Year’s Eve-like fashion from midnight on July 3rd to July 4th, celebrating America’s birthday. Interestingly, it will drop multiple times to mark midnight in various U.S. time zones, with unique lighting designs for each drop.
Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display promises to dazzle, highlighting its 50th anniversary with elaborate pyro animations, including a giant upside-down rainbow and a stunning American flag suspended in the night sky. This year’s show will feature 85,000 shells, an increase from last year’s 80,000 rounds, and will take an extensive amount of preparation.
