Celebrating the 4th of July from the USS Intrepid

This transcript documents live coverage of the United States' bicentennial celebration being broadcast from the USS Intrepid in New York. The broadcast runs from 7:00 to 11:00 am and covers commemorative events happening nationwide in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Scheduled events include the International Naval Review, a parade of tall ships on the Hudson River, and an aerial review led by the Blue Angels (based in Colorado Springs). The broadcast promises interviews with notable figures including documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, the CEO of the USO, the president of the Intrepid Museum, and the CEO of a pyrotechnics company planning the largest fireworks show in American history for Washington, D.C. In New York, the Times Square ball was lowered eight times to mark midnight in each U.S. time zone. Mount Rushmore hosted a spectacular fireworks show the previous night attended by President Trump. However, extreme heat across the nation has forced the cancellation of a major parade in Washington, D.C., though the evening fireworks and presidential speech are still planned, with fireworks pushed back to 11 p.m. White House correspondent Jeff Mason reports that President Trump plans to make remarks at the National Mall and may deliver a lengthy speech. At Mount Rushmore the previous night, Trump made political remarks focused on what he characterized as a resurgence of communism, framing it as the greatest threat to American liberty, comparable to World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor, and 9/11. He also referenced the upcoming midterms and called for Republican effort. Reporter Lisa Mateo is stationed at Coney Island where crowds have already gathered early in the morning at Nathan's Famous, the iconic hot dog restaurant established in 1916, which hosts its annual competitive eating contest.