The Royal Air Force's Red Arrows aerobatic team has participated in celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence, performing a flypast over New York Harbour that left red, white, and blue vapour trails in the shape of the US flag. The display was part of a series of events across the United States marking the historic milestone, which also included a flotilla of tall ships from around the world sailing past the Statue of Liberty in an international naval review.
International Participation and Royal Congratulations
Other aircraft involved in the flypasts included a B-2 stealth bomber and the US Navy's Blue Angels. The Royal Navy's Band of the Royal Marines performed in New York after earlier entertaining crowds in Washington DC. King Charles III sent his "warmest congratulations" to US President Donald Trump and the American people, describing the occasion as "a truly historic milestone and a moment of great celebration for Americans everywhere."
Vice President's Conciliatory Remarks
US Vice President JD Vance attended the festivities in New York and acknowledged the participation of allied nations. Speaking on the flightdeck of a naval assault ship amid scorching heat, Vance said: "We say from the bottom of our hearts, we are grateful for our friends, grateful for our allies on this special anniversary." He added: "It is a very American thing to ring in 250 years of American history by parading our naval and air force might for the world to see. But I can't help but consider that 250 years ago the waters of New York harbour looked very, very different." Vance recalled the Revolutionary War, noting that General George Washington "was right here in Manhattan, peering out on this beautiful land and beautiful sea. His attention was fixed on the horizon, watching for sails of the most powerful navy on earth."
Extreme Heat and Health Warnings
Thousands of events were held nationwide, but a swathe of the country sweltered in extreme temperatures. July 4 was forecast to be the hottest on record for millions of Americans in the eastern US, triggering heat alerts. Temperatures were set to hit 38°C in New York and 40°C in Washington, while Little Rock, Arkansas, expected a high of 42°C. Officials urged people to take safety precautions and stay hydrated. In New York City, vans staffed by nurses and paramedics distributed water and sunscreen, and cooling stations were opened. Event organizers in Washington also handed out water and provided cooling facilities and medical support.
Parade Canceled, Flyovers Continue
A planned Independence Day parade in Washington was canceled due to the heat, but a packed schedule of flyovers and aerial demonstrations went ahead, including F-22 Raptors and the US Air Force's Thunderbirds display squadron. President Trump promised a pyrotechnic display in the capital, which he said would be the biggest in the nation's history. He was also due to give a speech at the National Mall on Saturday evening.
Concerts and Drone Shows
On the West Coast in Los Angeles, Queen Latifah hosted a concert featuring performances by The Smashing Pumpkins and Chris Stapleton, with Chaka Khan as a special guest. A drone show was also planned.
Political Divisions Amid Celebrations
Although Independence Day traditionally brings people together, the anniversary festivities have not escaped the country's divisions. President Trump was accused of using the milestone to promote himself rather than fostering unity. This was highlighted by the creation of Freedom 250, an organization aligned with the White House, which has rivaled America250, a bipartisan group founded by Congress a decade ago to plan activities. The opening of the Great American State Fair, staged in Washington by Freedom 250, ended up being headlined by the president after several musical artists withdrew over concerns it had become too political and closely linked to Trump.
On Friday, Trump was in South Dakota at Mount Rushmore, where he warned about the threat of communism in the US, arguing it was more dangerous than either the Second World War or the 9/11 attacks.
