America 250 celebrated in New York City and beyond

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Last updated: Sunday, July 5, 2026 11:24AM GMT
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NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Fourth of July marks a major milestone for America as we mark 250 years.

From spectacular fireworks to special exhibits and patriotic parades, we have everything you need to know to mark the momentous occasion.

ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America."

The multi-platform broadcast, led by ABC News "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir, features coverage across all 50 states, continues all day on the Fourth of July.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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Jul 04, 2026, 2:50 PM GMT

Spectacular military flyover ahead of Sail4th 250 on the Hudson

A parade in the sky of military aircraft led by the Navy's Blue Angels took place during Sail4th 250, a gathering of tall ships and military ships celebrating America's 250th birthday.

The French Air Force acrobatic squad Patrouille de France released a stream of red, white and blue while flying over the Hudson River and New York Harbor.

Raw video of the flyover featuring the Blue Angels ahead of the tall ships parade on the Hudson
Jul 04, 2026, 2:38 PM GMT

Lee Goldberg is helping to lead the historic parade of tall ships in NYC

Lee Goldberg is on the USCGC Eagle, known as "America's Tall Ship" as it leads the historic parade of tall ships in New York City for America's 250th birthday.

The ship will lead the historic parade of tall ships in NYC.
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Jul 05, 2026, 2:15 PM GMT

Sail4th 250 parade has begun in New York City

The Sail4th 250 parade has begun in New York City, which is expected to draw large crowds to the city's waterfront.

Many of the participating vessels, known as Class B tall ships, have been arriving in New York Harbor over the past several days.

Saturday's Sail4th 250 parade began at 7 a.m. ET, with ships sailing north on the Hudson River from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge.

Leading that event is America's Tall Ship, the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Eagle.

Military personnel watch the USS Farragut pass from the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) in the New York harbor ahead of Sail250 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Military personnel watch the USS Farragut pass from the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) in the New York harbor ahead of Sail250 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The larger ships are anchored near Sandy Hook as sailors from 20 nations prepare to sail up the Hudson.

The event is expected to attract thousands of spectators as New York joins the nationwide celebration of the nation's semiquincentennial.

Officials say security checkpoints and screenings will be in place for designated viewing areas during Saturday's Sail4th 250 festivities along the Hudson River.

Military personnel salute from the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) in the New York harbor ahead of Sail250 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Military personnel salute from the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) in the New York harbor ahead of Sail250 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
ByAlexandra Hutzler and Nicholas Kerr ABCNews logo
Jul 04, 2026, 4:15 AM GMT

Trump kicks off America 250 celebrations with Mount Rushmore speech

President Donald Trump kicked off a weekend of celebrations for America's 250th birthday with a speech at Mount Rushmore on Friday.

Ahead of the trip, the White House suggested Trump could be an "addition" to the mountain where the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are etched.

"There would be no better addition to the iconic Mount Rushmore than the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement to ABC News.

Trump has previously mused about putting his likeness on the granite peak. He called it a "good idea" on social media in 2020. But so far in his second term, there's been no significant movement toward making that a reality.

The White House did not respond to questions about whether there are actual plans to add the president's likeness to Mount Rushmore and, if so, in what capacity.

Trump flew to Keystone, South Dakota, on the newly retrofitted Air Force One 747, a gift from the Qatari royal family. The president used the jet for the first time earlier this week for a trip to North Dakota for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

Upon his arrival, Air Force One conducted a flyover over Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota ahead of the president's remarks.

The Mount Rushmore festivities also include performances by military bands and tributes to the Armed Services. It will culminate in a large fireworks display, the first fireworks show at the national memorial in years, according to the National Park Service.

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