For Semiquincentennial Armada, Lower Manhattan is the Berthplace of Liberty As America marks its quarter-millennium, the waters and skies surrounding Lower Manhattan next week will be the epicenter of naval and aeronautic spectacles that may not be equaled until the nation’s 500th birthday. Starting on Friday, July 3, the largest international group of tall ships and military vessels ever assembled in New York Harbor will gather on the East and Hudson Rivers.