ABC News is gearing up for an unprecedented 24-hour broadcast to celebrate July 4th, a marathon event that ABC News president Almin Karamehmedovic has dubbed "the longest commercial broadcast in history." This extensive programming aims to capture the spirit of the nation's 250th anniversary, offering viewers a comprehensive look at celebrations across the country.

The broadcast is set to kick off at 10 p.m.

on July 3 with a spectacular light show at the Statue of Liberty, illuminated in red, white, and blue.

This segment will feature an interview with singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile by David Muir, followed by her performance of "America the Beautiful" in front of the iconic landmark.

Muir also toured Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty with park rangers, and the kickoff will include a "special message" from Walt Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro.

Securing the initial performance by Carlile required careful planning, as the production team navigated the sounds of tourist helicopters and party boats near Liberty Island.

However, as the evening progressed, the noise subsided, allowing for a successful, distraction-free recording at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

Executive producer John R.

Green emphasized the significance of starting with such a spectacle, noting that conversations with the French government, which is orchestrating the light show and a military flyover, were crucial in bringing the vision to life.

Green stated that the broadcast aims to be "a spectacle that is worthy of 250 years of hope and dreams."

The celebration will continue through the night and into July 4th, culminating in Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash, hosted by Ryan Seacrest.

This grand finale will feature a fireworks display and performances from artists such as The All-American Rejects, Boyz II Men, NE-YO, Nick Jonas, Reba McEntire, Sublime, and Tim McGraw.

Beyond the main events, the broadcast will showcase the breadth of the United States, with nearly every ABC News anchor and correspondent contributing.

Segments will originate from all 50 states and include more than 60 live remotes.

Disney's broader involvement includes a partnership with Nat Geo to explore America's seven natural wonders, featuring Muir at the Grand Canyon and Michael Strahan at Niagara Falls.

Special editions of *Nightline*, *Good Morning America*, and *World News* are planned, along with a simulcast of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest and a special *SportsCenter* from ESPN.

Disney World and Disneyland will also host special events, including military flyovers and patriotic parades, with Disneyland fireworks making an appearance during the Nashville broadcast.

Many anchors and correspondents are also using this opportunity to share personal connections to their home states.

Diane Sawyer will visit Appalachia, her home region in Kentucky, while Robin Roberts will share her personal story from Mississippi and Florida.

Sarah Haines from *The View* will report from Iowa on the American farmer, and Jon Karl will revisit Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, a place he climbed as a child.

This personal engagement aims to resonate with viewers' own childhood memories of July 4th.

Green highlighted the importance of showcasing the entire nation, stating, "All 50 states and many overseas territories are represented, and in this coverage is really important to all of us that we show all of the nation." The broadcast aims to capture the diverse ways people celebrate July 4th across different parts of the country, from New York to Middle America and Nashville.