ABC News Launches 24-Hour July 4 Special Featuring Statue of Liberty and Nashville Celebrations ABC News is set to unveil a 24-hour marathon broadcast to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary, beginning on July 3 and concluding on July 4. The event, titled “The Longest Commercial Broadcast in History,” will feature a series of high-profile segments centered around iconic American landmarks and patriotic celebrations. The centerpiece of the programming will be a performance of “America the Beautiful” by singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile at the Statue of Liberty, illuminated in red, white, and blue for the occasion. The performance will be preceded by an interview with Carlile conducted by ABC News anchor David Muir, who had earlier toured the Statue of Liberty with park rangers. The broadcast will kick off with a light show at the Statue of Liberty on July 3 at 10 p.m., followed by Muir’s interview with Carlile and a “special message” from Walt Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro. The event will culminate in a fireworks display and musical performances at Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, on July 4 at 11 p.m. The entire broadcast will be a collaboration between ABC News and Disney, with plans to include nearly every ABC News anchor and correspondent, as well as live segments from all 50 U.S. states and over 60 remote locations. The production team faced logistical challenges during the setup, including noise from tourist helicopters and party boats near Liberty Island. However, the noise subsided by the evening of the event, allowing the makeshift set at the base of the Statue of Liberty to operate without distractions. ABC News executive producer John R.#abc_news #walt_disney #david_muir #statue_of_liberty #brandi_carlile
David Muir Climbs to Statue of Liberty's Torch for America's 250th Anniversary Celebration On July 3, 2026, ABC News anchor David Muir took part in a special celebration of America’s 250th anniversary by ascending to the torch of the Statue of Liberty, a landmark that has stood as a symbol of hope for millions of immigrants since its dedication in 1886. The event, part of ABC’s “Disney Celebrates America” programming, marked the network’s 24-hour coverage across multiple platforms, including ABC, Disney+, Hulu, and others, highlighting the nation’s history and cultural milestones. Muir’s climb through the statue’s right arm to reach the torch was a rare and dramatic moment, offering a unique perspective on the enduring legacy of the monument. The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, was designed to welcome immigrants arriving in New York Harbor. Over its first six decades, it served as a beacon for more than 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island, the nation’s primary immigration center from 1892 to 1954. Muir’s journey to the torch mirrored the experiences of those early arrivals, as he described the view from the top as a “signal of something, the chance of a new life right here in America.” The statue’s design, crafted by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, ensured that immigrants would first see the statue’s face as they approached the harbor, a detail that Muir noted was “intended to welcome them.” During his climb, Muir met several individuals connected to the statue’s history. Captain Hamilton Clancy, who grew up near the statue and whose grandfather once oversaw Liberty Island, shared reflections on the courage of immigrants. “It’s impossible to fully imagine what it was like for the immigrants all those years ago,” Muir said, quoting Clancy.#david_muir #statue_of_liberty #disney_celebrates_america #frederic_auguste_bartholdi #hamilton_clancy
