ABC News anchors David Muir, Deborah Roberts, and Diane Sawyer are traveling across different regions of the United States to headline "Disney Celebrates America," a 24-hour broadcast beginning July 3, 2026, commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary.
According to USA Today, the comprehensive programming schedule features multi-platform coverage across ABC, ABC News, ESPN, and National Geographic, including a special illumination of the Statue of Liberty and the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Muir's Daring Climb and Emotional Reflections
For his segment, World News Tonight anchor David Muir scaled a narrow 40-foot ladder to reach the top of the Statue of Liberty's torch, which stands 300 feet over New York Harbor and has been closed to the public since 1916.
During the climb, Muir questioned the accompanying park ranger about the number of individuals permitted on the exclusive platform.
"Nobody," replied the park ranger.
Muir recalled the nerve-racking ascent in an exclusive phone interview with USA Today, noting that the physical climb itself was the most daunting part of the challenge.
"Climbing the ladder itself was more terrifying than standing up on the platform," said Muir.
When his cameraman requested to climb a second time to film alternative angles, Muir immediately refused to go back down the narrow ladder.
"You just hear the audio of me saying, 'I'm not going back down.' We're not doing this twice," said Muir.
While reviewing the footage on social media, fans widely commented on Muir's physical appearance and biceps rather than the surrounding landmarks, while others expressed fear regarding the high altitudes.
Despite the danger, Muir explained that looking out over the harbor brought an emotional connection to historical American immigrants.
"Once you're up there, you are just in complete awe of the beauty of New York Harbor," said Muir.
Muir noted that the vantage point immediately invokes thoughts of historic travelers arriving by ship in search of opportunities.
"And you immediately think of the people who came into the harbor on those ships and thought, 'I'm getting a chance at a new life,'" said Muir.
During his travels, Muir also visited the Grand Canyon and the Redwoods National and State Park in Northern California, where he noted the absence of cellular service.
"First of all, our phones did not work, which was the real gift," joked Muir.
Muir contemplated the historic age of the ancient redwood trees alongside a representative from Save the Redwoods League.
"And you know what? They'll be here hundreds of years after us," said the steward.
Muir, who traces his journalism passion to watching Peter Jennings at age 12, previously shared his childhood experiences with People magazine.
"I was a nerd who felt this gravitational pull to the news, starting back when I was 12 years old," said Muir.
Muir recounted inside childhood neighborhood habits that differed from his peers when local evening programs began broadcasting.
"I remember being outside, playing with the rest of the kids in the neighborhood and being the only kid who would go inside when the local news came on, and then watching Peter Jennings, who I thought was sort of the James Bond of the evening news, the globetrotter," said Muir.
Muir subsequently secured internships by writing letters to local newsrooms, which eventually launched his professional broadcasting career.
"I began interning, carrying all the equipment – and back then the equipment was huge and heavy – and I'd jump into the back of the cruiser, and I was honestly the happiest kid," recalled Muir.
Muir added that his enthusiasm for newsroom fieldwork outpaced standard school vacation interests.
"Most kids were looking forward to summer vacation, and I couldn't wait to get into the back seat of that cruiser all over again," said Muir.
Sawyer and Roberts Share Their Experiences
During the USA Today interview, longtime anchor Diane Sawyer interrupted to joke about Muir's physical stamina during his 300-foot climb.
"Have you met David Muir?" quipped Sawyer.
Sawyer laughed alongside her colleagues while questioning whether Muir required any physical rest during the assignment. "Do you think he needed a break?"
asked Sawyer.
Sawyer traveled to the Appalachian Mountains for her segment, describing the 13-state range as a biodiversity highway that helped shape the early American identity.
"If we make it across these mountains, then nothing stops us all the way to the Pacific," said the settlers.
Sawyer noted that certain broadcast moments convey deeper meanings to viewers without requiring verbal commentary.
"I think one of the great joys [of this job] is when you can bring people something that doesn't need words," added Sawyer.
Co-anchor Deborah Roberts covered Yellowstone National Park for the special, calling the assignment a magical but challenging experience that required stopping for wildlife.
"We have to stop and break for bison as we're going along," recalled Roberts.
Roberts noted that the raw natural beauty of the park made it difficult to view the journey as a standard work task.
"But that's what that raw beauty was in this place… It's hard to believe it was an assignment," said Roberts.
Roberts stated that early explorers struggled to convince the public that such a wondrous location actually existed.
"People didn't really believe that this thing existed in the very beginning because of how wondrous it is," added Roberts.
Roberts concluded that her time exploring the national park left her feeling entirely deeply moved. "For me, it was just awe-inspiring," said Roberts.
Muir's Instagram account confirmed that "Disney Celebrates America" begins broadcasting July 3 at 10 p. m.
Eastern Time on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu, with Ryan Seacrest hosting Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash later that evening.
