State Landmarks to be Illuminated Red, White and Blue
WHEREAS, every year, Americans commemorate the events that took place 249 years when on July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of our nation’s independence from Great Britain, and on July 4, 1776, delegates from the original 13 colonies ratified The Declaration of Independence; and
WHEREAS, this historic charter outlined our founders’ guiding principles, and with its adoption, prompted the 13 colonies to collectively announce the official formation of the United States of America as a free and sovereign nation; and
WHEREAS, New York State is proud of its crucial role in our nation’s founding as the site of several major armed conflicts during the American Revolution; nearly one third of all battles during the war took place on New York soil, including the Battle of Ticonderoga, which was the Continental Army’s first clear victory over British troops, as well as the Battle of Saratoga, where the tide of the war turned in the Americans’ favor; and
WHEREAS, at the time of our nation’s birth, the principles of freedom and equality that were enshrined in the founding documents were not guaranteed to all; since then, generations of people have advocated, fought, and sacrificed their lives to shape our shared society into one that extends such inalienable rights to every American; and
WHEREAS, many New Yorkers have been at the frontier of such vital efforts and are still committed to ensuring that America lives up to its foremost ideals and foundational promises as a symbol of strength, freedom, and liberty; today, we continue to welcome new immigrants and people of all backgrounds looking to become our fellow Americans; and
WHEREAS, this Independence Day, communities across New York State take the opportunity to reflect upon the words of our founders declaring that all people are created equal and endowed with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; we celebrate our shared freedoms and extend them to those being sworn in as citizens to our prosperous and democratic nation; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim July 4, 2025 as
INDEPENDENCE DAY
in the Empire State.
View original Proclamation Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring July 4 as Independence Day in the State of New York. The Governor also announced that on Friday, July 4, State landmarks will be illuminated red, white and blue.
“Today we remember the principles that this great country was founded on — justice for all, equality and freedom,” Governor Hochul said. “As families and loved ones gather together to celebrate the July 4th holiday, we should also recognize the leaders who fought for those principles.”
The landmarks to be lit in celebration of Independence Day include:
- 1WTC
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- Lake Placid Olympic Center
- MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
July 4, 2025
Albany, NY
Sources: governor.ny.gov
