This year, Long Island’s well-known Memorial Day air display is taking a leap into the future by swapping its traditional fighter jet showcase with a dazzling drone spectacle featuring 1,000 drones illuminating the Atlantic Ocean.
Marking a first in the event’s history, this drone extravaganza will light up the sky for 20 minutes on May 24 at 9 p.m., while the usual air show is rescheduled to Independence Day weekend — specifically July 5 and 6 — aligning with the state’s extensive festivities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
These high-tech drones will ascend to heights of up to 400 feet, choreographed to move in harmony with patriotic tunes. They will craft vibrant 3D images in the night sky, including iconic figures and symbols like bald eagles, Uncle Sam’s hat, and the stars and stripes of the American flag.
Kathy Moser, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “These events on Long Island are an exciting part of the statewide efforts to share the impactful stories of those who influenced the American Revolution through our Revisit the Revolution initiative.”
Conceived under the guidance of Gov. Kathy Hochul, the New York State Legislature, and the NYS 250th Commemoration Commission, this drone show is being crafted by Grizzly Entertainment, the same creative minds behind last year’s 9/11 drone tribute in Bethpage, Nassau County.
Following the drone display, the skies will be graced by the Navy Blue Angels on July 5 and 6, as a continuation of the festivities celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
This year, the Blue Angels will also be joined by the Canadian Snowbirds, the US Army Golden Knights, and the Navy’s F-35C Lightning II Demo Team, and others, while a fireworks show is also set for July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Memorial Day weekend at Jones Beach won’t just be about the drones.
Visitors can also catch Revolutionary War reenactors camping out as the all-Black 1st Rhode Island Regiment and the 5th New York Regiment, George Washington and other founding fathers trotting in on horseback, and more actors playing the four New York signers of the Declaration of Independence and Long Island’s own Culper Spy Ring.
Colonial cooking, fife and drum musical performances, inflatable play areas, and history-themed family games will fill out the rest of the evening while residents wait for the nighttime drone show, state officials detailed.
“As we commemorate 250 years since our nation’s birth, special events – like those at Jones Beach, and our other State Parks and historic sites – offer residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to explore and experience different regions of the state, and complement any getaway or extended vacation,” Empire State Development President Hope Knight said.
