Editor’s note: For those readers seeking a dramatization of the early colonial period in America, featuring an excellent performance of Benjamin Franklin, as he likely was at the time, we reviewed the film A Great Awakening, an inside look at the life of Rev. George Whitefield, a well-known figure in the early evangelical church movement, which traveled to America from England with the reverend.  He and Ben Franklin became business partners and good friends during the reverend’s brief life, which ended before the Declaration of Independence was signed.  On the Fourth of July in Jersey City’s Liberty State Park, a historical tour using QR codes provides an augmented reality tour of the history of the Statue Of Liberty.  See below for the events planned for Staten Island that are being promoted or produced and planned by Rep. Malliotakis and BP Fossella, and an announcement from PETA about their presence at Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest, where they’ll give out free plant based hot dogs for the holiday: 

Malliotakis Promotes America 250 Events on Staten Island

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis is promoting upcoming America250 events taking place on Staten Island in the coming weeks. As part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration, the U.S. Navy will showcase its vital role in defending our country and protecting freedom of navigation around the world. The signature event, International Naval Review 250, will be held in the Port of New York and New Jersey from July 3-8 and is expected to bring together ships, aircraft, and service members from more than 130 invited navies and coast guards.

From Fort Wadsworth to the Alice Austen House, Conference House, and St. George Promenade, Staten Island is well positioned to view this once-in-a-lifetime parade of naval ships from around the world. Additionally, the events are free and open to the public.

Below are Staten Island and select nearby public events:

July 3:

***This event was canceled due to extreme heat

Band Concert and Fireworks

When: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Where: Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, NY

The 42nd Infantry Division Army Band, New York Army National Guard, will present a concert leading into Staten Island’s Independence weekend fireworks at Fort Wadsworth / Gateway NRA — the historic parade ground and overlook directly beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

July 4:

International Naval Review (INR)

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When: 7:00 AM – 12:43 PM

Where: Hudson River, NY

The U.S. Navy will host an expected 50+ U.S. and foreign warships from more than 130 invited navies and coast guards. This will be the seventh International Naval Review, where gray-hull ships from around the world will showcase global maritime cooperation. Free shore viewing from The Battery, Battery Park City, and Hudson River Park (Manhattan); from Liberty State Park (NJ); and Staten Island’s Alice Austen Park.

INR Public Watch Party with Military Band

When: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Alice Austen Park, Staten Island, NY

A community watch party with live music will be held on the Alice Austen House park lawn, providing a direct view across the Narrows toward the harbor and the review line for the Naval Review and Aerial Review. The Park is a dedicated public site.

Tall Ship Class A Parade of Sail

When: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Where: Hudson River

Sail4th 250 featuring 30+ Class A tall ships from over 20 nations. The flagship tall ship spectacle of America’s 250th will be covered live on national television.

International Aerial Review

When: 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Where: Skies over the Hudson

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and allied military aviation will perform a signature flight show for America’s 250th.

July 5:

Tall Ship Public Touring

When: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 36 / Manhattan, South Street Seaport, Sail City / Jersey City, and Homeport Pier / Staten Island. Sail4th 250 and participating ship crews let the public step aboard the visiting international tall ship fleet and open their decks for self-guided tours.

Staten Island South Shore Band Concert

When: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Where: Conference House Park, Tottenville, Staten Island, NY

Military band concert for the Staten Island South Shore community at Conference House Park.

July 6:

Tall Ship Public Touring

When: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Where: Various piers in NY/NJ, including Homeport Pier / Staten Island, 305 Front St.

Sail4th 250 and participating ship crews let the public step aboard the visiting international tall ship fleet and open their decks for self-guided tours.

July 7:

Tall Ship Public Touring

When: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Where: Various piers in NY/NJ, including Homeport Pier / Staten Island, 305 Front St.

Sail4th 250 and participating ship crews let the public step aboard the visiting international tall ship fleet and open their decks for self-guided tours.

“As our nation celebrates its semiquincentennial, Staten Islanders will have a front-row seat to history, and it is fitting considering the significant events that took place during the American Revolution in and around our borough,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “From Fort Wadsworth to the St. George waterfront, our community is uniquely positioned at the base of New York Harbor to take part in this once-in-a-generation celebration, welcome ships and sailors from around the world, honor America’s independence, and reflect on the freedoms and founding principles that have guided our nation for 250 years.”

Fourth of July Weekend. Image Credit – BP Fossella

Sounds of Summer. Image Credit – BP Fossella

The World Health Organization classifies processed meats—including hot dogs—as “carcinogenic to humans” and warns that consuming them increases the risk of colorectal cancer, while a review of 49 studies involving three million people found that animal-free eating safeguards against digestive system cancers. Meat and dairy products also contain cholesterol, which contributes to heart disease, whereas vegan foods contain zero cholesterol.

Cows develop friendships over time and mourn when a loved one dies or when they’re separated from each other, yet in the meat industry, they’re crammed into filthy feedlots and endure tail docking, castration, and dehorning—all without painkillers. Workers chop off pigs’ tails, clip their teeth with pliers, and castrate the males without any pain relief. At slaughterhouses, workers shoot animals in the head with a captive-bolt gun, hang them up by one leg, and cut their throats—often while they’re still conscious.

Human Hot Dog. Image Credit – PETA