New Delhi, Dec. 28 -- The committee overseeing celebrations for America's 250th birthday in 2026 has announced that New York City's iconic Times Square Ball will feature in two landmark events-on New Year's Eve and again in July-to mark the start of the nation's Semiquincentennial.

America250 said the world-famous Ball will be relit in red, white and blue following its traditional New Year's Eve drop, before reappearing in a first-of-its-kind Independence Day celebration in July.

After the Ball drops at midnight on December 31, it will be relit in an America250 red, white and blue design and rise above illuminated "2026" numerals at around 12:04 a.m. EST on New Year's Day.

The post-midnight ceremony will include a video titled America ...