On Sunday, New York City and state officials, with several senior officers of the U.S. Military gathered to highlight the historic events.
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For the 250th anniversary fireworks, there will be four barges in the East River and two more near Jersey City for a night filled with sparkles in the sky.
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Plans are also to host a huge parade of sails. Vessels from 40 nations will be coming into New York Harbor.
Led by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter, the Eagle, our tall ship will lead a parade of tall ships from around the world. They will sail under the Verrazzano up the George Washington Bridge, and then back down the Hudson to their respective piers.
The ships will proceed at a majestic clip and should last two and a half hours. Adding to the drama, there will also be an aerial review at the same time, led by the Blue Angels. So, whether you look up and down or straight ahead, there should be something for everyone.
Then when night falls, the city will pivot to fireworks.
All of the celebrations take a lot of planning, a lot of logistics - and of course, a lot of security as the city welcomes 40 tall ships, 40 military vessels, 40 aircraft review and 20 thousand sailors.