On July 4th, The Tall Ships Parade Sailed Up The Hudson as Part of America 250

Report by Brad Balfour

In celebrating the 250th birthday of the United State of America I managed a viewing of the International Aerial Review and Parade of Sail. Thanks to a friend, we drove up to 125th Street, a block from the Dinosaur BBQ and found ourselves right up against the overlook at the river. There they came, in reasonably close view flags unfurled some with full sails, other times not. The trick was to identify the country’s flag but fortunately we were way up where they went by, they streamed up the river and turned around to head back. That gave an opportunity to see them twice.

That’s nothing formal, not like attending a special event with officials like what took place at the Intrepid in the am. The ship/museum hosted an official kick off that morning but with a friend we raced up to 125th St. and watch the ships at end of their watery procession.

There were 36 tall ships and over 150 aircraft from U.S. and Allied nations that traveled up the Hudson River But first they passed by the Intrepid Museum on Saturday, July 4th from approximately 10 am – 1 pm. 

During the Fourth of July week, the Intrepid Museum will serve as a central hub for New York City’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, hosting a multi-day lineup of ceremonial observances and large-scale public events. Beginning July 3rd, programming highlighted the role of the U.S. Armed Forces, the nation’s maritime and aviation heritage and the spirit of innovation that has shaped America. Free activities included military displays, demonstrations, musical performances and interactive programming across Pier 86. At 11am on July 3rd, military teams went head-to-head in a classic tug of war competition on Pier 86. Museum visitors had the rare opportunity to step aboard visiting historic tall sailing ships.

But these pictures show how I spent July 4th day. All the rest of the celebrations were for others but I think I saw the rarest of experiences, something I shared with a few folks who came from everywhere from Russia to Brazil. A good way to celebrate Our heritage and theirs.