New Bedford, Fall River to host Independence Day celebrations, East Providence to mark Cape Verde milestone

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Whaling City is also getting an early start on its 4th of July celebrations.

Tomorrow, July 3, New Bedford will celebrate America’s independence with a firework barge off the state pier in New Bedford harbor.

According to the mayor’s office, the show had to be moved to the third due to availability of the fireworks company.

As America continues to celebrate its independence this week, Fall River officials will honor the men and women who defend the nation overseas and the first commander-in-chief.

Wednesday, Fall River and Massachusetts officials will dedicate a plaque in honor of the USS Massachusetts submarine.

That event will also commemorate today’s 250th anniversary of general George Washington’s assumption to commander of the Continental Army.

Mayor Paul Coogan and representatives from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services will attend the dedication ceremony, set for 10 a.m. at Heritage State Park.

And back in Rhode Island, East Providence officials will be celebrating a different independence day today, with a flag raising honoring Cape Verde.

This year marks Cape Verde’s 50th year of independence from Portugal.

In celebration of the event and the city’s populous Cape Verdean community, East Providence officials will also serve cachupa, the country’s national dish.

That flag raising is at noon at East Providence City Hall.