July 4th, 2000. The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) anchored in the Hudson river facing the Twin Towers in New York City and the Statue of Liberty waits for the arrival of President William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton transfered from the naval cruiser Hue City, for the blessing of the fleet and the Parade of Sail to start as part of Operation Sale 2000. More than 10,000 watercraft and above 100 tall ships from different parts of the world, framed the largest-ever gathering of vessels to celebrate the United States Independence Day. President John F. Kennedy conceived 40 years before Operation Sail in a way to preserve sail boats and promote international cooperation. © 2000 Editora Nieves | photo Ruben Dominguez