A Fourth of July Drone Show Honoring Indigenous Heritage in Gallup, New Mexico

This Independence Day, we partnered with the City of Gallup to deliver a one-of-a-kind 500-drone light show that celebrated both American history and the Indigenous cultures of the Southwest.

Set against the dramatic desert sky, the show brought together technology and tradition, inviting the Gallup community to witness a shared story of pride, place, and heritage.

Drone Show Highlights Included:

• A Navajo Code Talker saluting in traditional out-of-service dress

• A Code Talker transmitting over radio — a tribute to their essential role in military communications

• Light-mapped flags: the U.S. flag, New Mexico state flag, and a traditional Indigenous blanket pattern

• A red, white, and blue Thunderbird — Gallup’s local emblem, with a patriotic twist

• The Ye Bei Chei statue, a revered spiritual figure

• A roadrunner in mid-stride

• A Route 66 sign reimagined in Gallup’s signature turquoise hue

This show was more than a celebration — it was a cultural statement. By honoring Indigenous contributions through drone animation and aerial storytelling, the event created a moment of unity and reflection for all who attended.

The Gallup drone show stands as an example of how modern technology can continue the echo of ancestral voices and amplify civic pride. From history to innovation, it was a night that connected past and future in the skies above New Mexico.