Massive celebrations for America’s 250th birthday

It's an incredible 250 years of America and from the water to the skies to cities and towns across the country. Americans coming out to celebrate. It all kicked off at midnight with that countdown in Times Square. The first time the ball has ever dropped when it's not New Year's Eve. And this morning that breathtaking sight in New York City's harbor. The historic parade of dozens of tall ships from 20 countries. A towering fleet honoring America. After making their way up the east coast for sail forth 250. Our own Al Roker on board the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle. It has been a thrilling day. Beautiful weather. Beautiful breezes. And this is basically the World Cup of the Maritime World. Right there you see the Italian ship going by and 46 others just like it making for one of the greatest maritime parades in the world. Sailors perched up high along the masts and others along the decks waving to the massive crowds taking it all in. Watching the largest maritime gathering in American history. Oh my gosh I loved it. I couldn't have asked for anything better than this. And above it all incredible flyovers from military aircraft. Those astounding fighter jet formations streaming red white and blue to salute America. Look at that view as they fly past the Statue of Liberty. Wave after amazing wave in the skies. More than 100 allied and U.S. aircraft taking part led by the famous Blue Angels. Later Vice President J.D. Vance landing with his three kids on the USS Kearsarge sailing right there in New York Harbor. The Vice President who's a Marine Corps veteran then swearing in re-enlisting Navy members. All of us will need to do our part to create the next 250 years of American greatness. Speaking near the same spot where 250 years ago today British troops were looming as American colonists bravely declared their independence. George Washington read aloud the words of the incredible declaration. We hold these truths to be self-evident. That all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. And that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Even today 250 years to the day later these words command a tremendous power over us as Americans. The President overnight with that dramatic flyover. Air Force One streaking right above Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. President Trump with a passionate tribute to American values and achievements. At 250 years America is the oldest republic on earth. We are the freest people on earth. We have the most righteous and enduring constitution on earth. We are the strongest and most powerful country on earth. And by the grace of God the United States of America is the most successful, most accomplished, most exceptional nation ever to exist in human history. And it is great to be your president. And this response to what he calls the unfair criticism of the U.S. As for those who peddle Marxist lies about our heritage, who tell our children that we live on stolen land, or that our heroes were oppressors, they're doing something much worse than slandering our past. They are slandering and attacking our future. Then a spectacular fireworks display over that stunning monument to our greatest presidents. Also overnight, Gatlinburg, Tennessee marking the first 4th of July parade of the weekend. Bringing out this massive 250th birthday cake balloon. America 250. While today more celebrations for America underway across the country. From Coronado, California to Rockland County, New York. People pouring outdoors despite those sweltering temperatures. Around 150 million people tonight under heat alerts. Some heat indices soaring to a scorching 110 degrees. Oh my God. The heat fueling powerful overnight storms in New Jersey. In Philadelphia where it all began more than two centuries ago, it was still hovering around triple digits today. NBC's Valerie Castro is there. I'm outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia where 250 years ago our country's founders signed the Declaration of Independence right inside. Today thousands gathering to celebrate in America's birthplace. Including Jeff Wilkins who came out dressed as a Revolutionary War era American militia member. A lot of people want to take pictures with you. It's emotional. Yeah, it really is. It's just overwhelming really, you know, to be part of the, you know, the nation's birthday today. I'm humbled. Earlier in Philly, an amazing drone show spotlighting key moments in American history, including the Marine landing at Iwo Jima. And officials bearing a time capsule right there in front of Independence Hall with artifacts from all U.S. states and territories. A snapshot of today's America to be opened in 2276. Out west, a massive American flag draped over the Hoover Dam. And that's the Declaration of Independence projected onto the sphere in Las Vegas. In the skies, one pilot in a Cessna aircraft going viral. Tracing a message for America's 250th birthday with this flight pattern over Ohio seen on flight radar. And NBC's Maggie Vespa is in Chicago. America 250 fever is alive and well in the Midwest. Massive crowds have been packing Chicago's iconic Navy pier ahead of tonight's fireworks display. The largest and longest in the show's history. And they're even honoring America's big birthday in Tokyo with an extravagant fireworks display, including an image of President Trump. Here in Washington overnight, the Washington Monument illuminated with a picture of America's first president. And more celebrations out at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, including even more impressive flyovers by military aircraft. Everybody needs to experience the Fourth of July in Washington once in their lifetime. Crowds braving the heat and prepping for that historic fireworks display tonight. A record breaker. You know, so we'll be shooting over 850,000 pyrotechnics. It's going to be the best. We thank you for watching. And remember, stay updated on breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app or watch live on our YouTube channel.