ABC News Begins 24-Hour Broadcast Titled 'Disney Celebrates America' for U.S. 250th Anniversary

ABC News began a 24-hour broadcast titled "Disney Celebrates America" on July 3 to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The programming, led by "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir, spans all 50 states and continues through July 4.

Muir opened the coverage by climbing through the Statue of Liberty's right arm to the torch more than 300 feet above ground, accompanied by National Park Service historian Matt Housch. The segment provided a rare view from the landmark. New York City's Times Square ball dropped eight times between July 3 and July 4 to mark midnight in each U.S.

Time zone and inhabited territory. The first drop occurred at 10 a.m. ET on July 3 for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The traditional 11:59 p.m. ET drop on July 3 served as the centerpiece, while the final drop took place at 7 a.m.

ET on July 4 for American Samoa. The rolling countdown formed part of the inaugural Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show and launched a nationwide initiative encouraging charitable giving and volunteering. , closed from 1 p.m.

To 5 p.m. on July 3 after the heat index reached a forecast 113 degrees, then reopened. Gates for the Capitol Fourth Concert at the U.S. Capitol opened at 7 p.m. on July 3 for an 8 p.m.

Start, with non-glass water bottles and coolers permitted. The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade in Philadelphia was canceled due to the heat. The Eiffel Tower in Paris was illuminated in the colors of the U.S.

Flag on July 3. Peru's BAP Union tall ship sailed near Sandy Hook, New Jersey, the same day ahead of anniversary events.