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
