Blue Angels in the sky of NY, 5 thousand guards, heat: USA celebrates independence

Air shows in the sky, a boat parade in New York Harbor, almost 5,000 National Guard soldiers mobilized in Washington and record heat: this is how the United States celebrates this Saturday (4) 250 years of independence.

In New York, the journey featured aerial performances, which President Donald Trump said took place "at a level never seen before."

The day was also marked by a parade of vessels through the city's port, which included the Coast Guard ship Eagle, nicknamed "America's Tall Ship". The city also hosted the International Naval Review, with a speech by Vice President JD Vance.

In Washington, the security scheme mobilized almost 5,000 members of the National Guard. CNN caught military personnel loading boxes of water into a vehicle, in a move to prepare to combat the impacts of heat in the center of the capital.

In the most traditional celebrations of the date, Joey Chestnut won the Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest for the 18th time. He consumed 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes; second place ate 14 less.

The Chestnut world record of 76 units was set in 2021. In 2024, it was barred from competition after reaching a deal with plant-based food company Impossible Foods.

And a historical detail: contrary to what a large part of the population believes, the Declaration of Independence was not signed on July 4, 1776. On that day, the final wording of the document was approved. Subscriptions actually started on August 2nd.

In addition to the traditional celebrations, the heat set the tone for the day. Preliminary data from Reagan National Airport indicates that the American capital recorded 38.3°C in the afternoon, surpassing the previous record for a Fourth of July, of 37.8°C, recorded in 1919. The National Weather Service is expected to confirm the mark later today.

The heat wave has already forced the rescheduling or cancellation of events in Washington and communities up and down the East Coast.

The weeks of events in the capital culminate in a huge fireworks show and Trump's speech, scheduled for 10pm local time (11pm in Brasília), at the Lincoln Memorial. On Friday, the president had already spoken at Mount Rushmore.

Trump's speech
Trump put his stamp on the 250th anniversary festivities and called the rally on the National Mall an "unforgettable birthday party."

"Despite the heat, which is not as bad as predicted, the crowds in D.C. are incredible! The love for our country has never been stronger! The air shows are at a level never seen before. What great pilots, what great equipment!", wrote the US president in Truth Social.

Trump played down concerns about the heat. "On the 4th of July it will be approximately 41.7°C, and I'm going to go there and give a very long speech," he said at the beginning of the week. "Just to show that I can do anything."

According to a senior White House official, the president should talk about the founding of the country, highlight what he considers exceptional about the United States and extol his achievements in office.

The president has been criticized for transforming events intended to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country's founding into stages for personal promotion. He previously stated that tonight's celebration would include a rally as well as a tribute to America.

250 years of independence: professor explains US history and its influence | NOW CNN

Storms threaten night of celebrations
In addition to the heat, there is the threat of severe storms. A storm warning is in effect for much of Maryland and Virginia, including the Washington region, until 10 p.m. local time. The risk in the capital increases from 6pm local time (7pm in Brasília).

The main concern is destructive winds, with the possibility of intense downward gusts that reach the ground and spread in all directions.

In Annapolis, Maryland, the traditional Independence Day parade and U.S. Naval Academy concert were canceled due to a severe thunderstorm warning. The fireworks are still scheduled, but may be postponed, according to city hall. The parade will not be rescheduled.

In Philadelphia, temperatures can reach 37.8°C, with an even greater thermal sensation - a contrast with 1776, when the maximum in the city on the day the Declaration of Independence was approved was around 24°C, a measurement recorded by Thomas Jefferson himself.

Putin, Zelensky and Pope send messages
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a personal message of "sincere congratulations" to Trump on the 250th anniversary of the USA. In an informal and friendly tone, Putin addressed the American as "Dear Mr. President" and "Dear Donald", using in the letter the Russian form of address reserved for close friends.

"The signing of the US Declaration of Independence not only marked the beginning of your nation's existence, but also became an important milestone in world history", wrote Putin, in a letter published on the Kremlin's official channel, recalling that, at the time, Russia supported North American colonists in the fight for freedom from British rule.

The Russian also said he was confident that "constructive, equal and mutually beneficial" relations between Moscow and Washington are in the interest not only of both peoples, but of the entire international community.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the American fight for freedom to his country's war against Russia.

In a publication on the X network, he said that "the American dream has withstood many trials and has served for two and a half centuries as an example for other nations" - something that, according to the Ukrainian, is particularly clear in Ukraine, which fights for its independence and freedom with the same hope and determination with which the Americans conquered and defended theirs.

Pope Leo XIV, in a letter released during a visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa, marked the Fourth of July with an appeal for "compassion and generosity."

The pontiff stated that protecting human life means "welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants", whose "hopes, sacrifices and contributions" are part of the history of the United States.

Other foreign leaders sent messages of celebration and reaffirmed support for the United States:

The president of the European Council, António Costa, congratulated American "friends and partners" on the 250th anniversary of independence.

In New York, the Statue of Liberty - a gift from France to the USA for almost 140 years - was illuminated with the colors of the American flag, while, in Paris, the Eiffel Tower also lit up in tribute to American friends.

The United Kingdom's Foreign Office honored its relationship with its "closest allies" with an image featuring the dates "1776" and "2026" stamped with the American flag - the War of Independence was fought precisely to overthrow British colonial rule.

NATO also joined the celebrations on social media and thanked the US Armed Forces for their "continued and steadfast support of the Alliance" - a message that comes amid souring relations with Washington, with Trump and administration officials frequently accusing European countries of over-reliance on US military spending.

In the Middle East, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent congratulations to Trump, as did Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the governments of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

Source: CNN