NEW YORK — Liberty Island became the backdrop for a striking tribute of light and sound at one of America’s most recognizable and meaningful landmarks.
The Statue of Liberty is far more than a tourist destination. For generations, it has stood as a powerful emblem of freedom, democracy and enlightenment.
Presented by France in 1886, the copper monument has long served as a lasting pledge between nations.
Now, that historic promise is being illuminated in a new way, with another gift from France honoring America’s 250th birthday.
The project, known as Liberty Lights, is a first-of-its-kind lighting display — and the result is breathtaking.
“We wanted to make something special for our American friends,” said Cedrik Fouriscot, the Consul General of France.
Viewers will be able to experience it up close during “Disney Celebrates America” — a 24-hour journey across all 50 states, spotlighting the people and places that help define the country.
Debra OConnell, chairman of Disney Entertainment Television, helped open the ceremony, which also featured a special flyover by the French Air Force.
“It’s really the ultimate moment when you think about what the Statue of Liberty, what she represents, she just stands for so much,” OConnell said. “Everything that I know we believe in and how special this country is, what it means to be able to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and to do it in a way that the only the Walt Disney Company can bring in these special moments to people across the country and around the world.”
Fighter jets helped kick things off and ABC News’ Deborah Roberts was in the lead plane. And on the ground, ABC News’ Stephanie Ramos sang the National Anthem.
“As a veteran, I’ve been in the Army Reserve now for 24 years, it’s been an incredible journey to be able to serve my country and and just be able to also be a journalist and a correspondent at ABC News,” Ramos said.
Ramos said the light show moved her to tears.
It’s a spectacle of sights and sounds and a beacon of hope as Lady Liberty lights up like you’ve never seen before.
ABC is marking America’s 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called “Disney Celebrates America.”
The multi-platform broadcast, led by ABC News “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir, will feature coverage across all 50 states, beginning July 3 and running through July 4.
The coverage kicksed off at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, July 3 with an unforgettable landmark, artistic event transforming the public’s experience of the Statue of Liberty with the Consulate General of France and Muir taking viewers along for a rare look inside of Lady Liberty.
As the clock strikes midnight on Saturday, July 4, ABC News will bring audiences to the first parade in the nation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
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