A Seattle-based naval reserve officer expressed surprise and enthusiasm for the patriotic atmosphere he encountered in New York City during events commemorating America's 250th anniversary. Ben Brown, wearing his Navy whites, attended a boat parade and air show at Battery Park City’s Wagner Park.
Brown stated that he was struck by the number of people who approached him for photos. "I was kind of surprised. I mean, you know, coming from Seattle, the flavor is a little different sometimes," he told The Post. He added, "It’s nice to see everybody is still kind of excited about the country."
For Brown, the anniversary events in New York offered more than just a tourist experience; he viewed them as an opportunity to reflect on the nation's founding. "It’s just an exciting time to kind of renew our founding purpose," he said. "I think our country, with all the tumultuous stuff that’s been going on lately, I think it’s kind of nice to see everybody still kind of excited about the Fourth."
Brown indicated plans to spend the entire day exploring Manhattan as celebrations unfolded across the city. The events included a gathering of tall ships and military vessels as part of the Sail250 initiative.