Debra OConnell, the chairman of Disney Entertainment Television, helped kick off the ceremony that included a special flyover from the French Air Force.<\/p>\n
It all led up to a spectacular light show, which was a gift from France.<\/p>\n
“It’s really the ultimate moment when you think about what the Statue of Liberty, what she represents, she just stands for so much,” OConnell said. “Everything that I know we believe in and how special this country is, what it means to be able to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and to do it in a way that the only the Walt Disney Company can bring in these special moments to people across the country and around the world.”<\/p>\n
Fighter jets helped kick things off and ABC News’ Deborah Roberts was in the lead plane. And on the ground, ABC News’ Stephanie Ramos sang the National Anthem.<\/p>\n
“As a veteran, I’ve been in the Army Reserve now for 24 years, it’s been an incredible journey to be able to serve my country and and just be able to also be a journalist and a correspondent at ABC News,” Ramos said.<\/p>\n
Ramos said the light show moved her to tears.<\/p>\n
It’s a spectacle of sights and sounds and a beacon of hope as Lady Liberty lights up like you’ve never seen before.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/19220528_060226-cc-abcn-disney-celebrates-america-250-graphic-img.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n
ABC is marking America’s 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called “Disney Celebrates America.”<\/p>\n
The multi-platform broadcast, led by ABC News “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir, will feature coverage across all 50 states, beginning July 3 and running through July 4.<\/p>\n
The coverage kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, July 3 with an unforgettable landmark, artistic event transforming the public’s experience of the Statue of Liberty with the Consulate General of France and Muir taking viewers along for a rare look inside of Lady Liberty.<\/p>\n
As the clock strikes midnight on Saturday, July 4, ABC News will bring audiences to the first parade in the nation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.<\/p>\n
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