Active duty Naval officer from Seattle thrilled by patriotism in NYC: ‘Flavor is a little different’

Seattle-based Navy reserve officer Ben Brown took in the boat parade and air show for the 250 celebration from Battery Park City’s Wagner Park — and said he’s shocked at how many people have stopped to take photos with him in his uniform.

“I was kind of surprised. I mean, you know, coming from Seattle, the flavor is a little different sometimes,” Brown, who was wearing his Navy whites, told The Post.

Seattle-based Navy reserve officer Ben Brown (above) said America’s 250th anniversary in the Big Apple is not just a vacation destination, but an invitation to revisit the founding of our nation. Trista Panagakos

Tall ships parade under flyovers during the International Parade of Sail, part of Sail250, a gathering of tall ships and military ships on July 4, 2026, in New York.

“It’s nice to see everybody is still kind of excited about the country.”

The serviceman said America’s 250th anniversary in the Big Apple is not just a vacation destination, but an invitation to revisit the founding of our nation.

“It’s just an exciting time to kind of renew our founding purpose,” he said.

“I think our country, with all the tumultuous stuff that’s been going on lately, I think it’s kind of nice to see everybody still kind of excited about the Fourth.”

Brown said he plans on spending the entire day touring Manhattan as celebrations continue across the city.