Here’s What New York Quietly Changed On Independence Day

New York State made this major change this year on Independence Day.

On Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation

Gov. Katy Hochul Issues Proclamation On Holiday In New York

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On Friday, New Yorkers across the state celebrated America's Independence Day.

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Hochul issued a proclamation declaring "July 4 as Independence Day in the State of New York."

"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," the proclamation reads. "Therefore, I, Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim July 4, 2025 as INDEPENDENCE DAY."

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State Landmarks Lit Red, White, Blue

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Hochul also confirmed that landmarks across New York State would be lit red, white, and blue. I drove across the Mid-Hudson Bridge on July 4th and noticed the red, white, and blue lights were flickering, like fireworks.

“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.”

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Other landmarks lit up in celebration of Independence Day included:

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
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

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Here are some of the best fireworks names we found when searching leading industry stores' online inventory.

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll

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How Do Fireworks Get Their Colors?

Besides being a fun fact to impress your friends during the finale, knowing what makes fireworks work is a reminder of just how intertwined our daily lives are with Earth’s natural resources. Some of these minerals are considered critical commodities, meaning they’re vital to modern life and can be difficult to source.

So the next time you see a shimmering white sparkle or a deep red bloom over the Mohawk River, you’ll know: there's real science, and some pretty rare elements behind all that beauty.

It all comes down to chemistry. When fireworks are launched, metallic compounds, also called mineral elements, are heated to really hot temperatures. And as they burn, they emit specific colors of light.

The more complex the mix, the more dazzling the display.

Gallery Credit: Unsplash/TSM

Source: Here’s What New York Quietly Changed On Independence Day

Filed Under: New York News

Categories: Local News