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, beginning July 3 and running through July 4.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., will temporarily close on July 4 for America 250 celebrations, including flyovers and fireworks.
The U.S. Army Golden Knights perform a parachute jump as the nation celebrates America's 250th anniversary on July 3, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
No flights are scheduled to arrive or depart between noon and 11:59 p.m. ET on July 4. Flights were also temporarily suspended from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 3 for aerial rehearsals.
Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration said they worked months in advance to adjust flight schedules to avoid disruptions.
The terminal at Reagan National and parking will still be accessible, officials said.
-ABC News’Ayesha Ali
9:33 AM EDT
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.
The USS Farragut makes it way up the Hudson River, with the Verrazzano bridge in the background, during the naval review of military ships, Saturday, July 4, 2026, in New York.
Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo
Saturday's Sail4th 250 parade begun 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.
A boat makes it way up the Hudson River, past the Statue of Liberty, during the International Naval Review, Saturday, July 4, 2026, in New York.
Pamela Smith/AP Photo
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.
A US Coast Guard vessel makes it way up the Hudson River past the Statue of Liberty during the naval review of military ships, Saturday, July 4, 2026, in New York.
Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo
Officials say security checkpoints and screenings will be in place for designated viewing areas during Saturday's Sail4th 250 festivities along the Hudson River.
6:22 AM EDT
Sun rises on America's 250th birthday
The sun has started to rise on the East Coast as America celebrates its 250th birthday on Saturday.
1:31
Stunning sunrise in Bar Harbor, MaineABC News' Gio Benitez is in Bar Harbor, Maine, witnessing the golden start of America's 250th birthday.
ABCNews.com
The U.S. Capitol dome at sunrise as day breaks ahead of Fourth of July celebrations, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 4, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
From Philadelphia to Boston, Washington, D.C. to Raleigh and beyond, celebrations will be taking place across the country throughout the day and over the weekend.
The sun rises over Boston, Massachusetts, on Saturday, July 4th, 2026.
WCVB
Millions of Americans, however, will be contending with a heatwave that is blanketing much of the country, including in Philadelphia where the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade that had been set for Friday was canceled due to the dangerous heat wave, according to Philadelphia ABC station WPVI.
Sunrise in Raleigh, North Carolina, as America celebrates its 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4th, 2026.
WTVD
Elsewhere, America's Independence Day Parade, which was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 4 in downtown Washington, D.C. was cancelled by organizers late Friday evening due to the extreme heat in the District.
The skyline in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is lit up by the sunrise on America's 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
WPVI
4:22 AM EDT
Putin sends telegram of congratulations to Trump on 250th anniversary of US independence
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of congratulations to U.S. President Donald Trump on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.
In the letter, Putin called the emergence of the American state through the signing of the Declaration of Independence "an important milestone in world history."
"Today, Russia and the United States, as the two largest nuclear powers, bear a special responsibility for ensuring security and stability on a global scale," Putin said. "I am confident that the establishment of constructive, equal and mutually beneficial relations between Moscow and Washington meets the interests not only of our peoples, but also of the entire world community."
