Freedom 250: A Year Long Celebration of Our Nation

"Gentlemen, start your engines!"

At the ceremonial announcement before a race, drivers focus intently on the track ahead, the thundering rumble of engines rises, and fans roar with electric excitement. Anticipation fills the air. More on racing later.

Similarly, during this year of America's 250th birthday, patriots in all 50 states have anticipated the celebrations – the lights, music, fireworks, exhibitions, and parties as we gear up for that most consequential day - July 4th. Now, it's 250 years since the day 56 courageous men risked everything to sign their names to the Declaration of Independence, and our United States took her first breath of freedom. It was one of the greatest moments in our nation's storied history.

I've said it before – America knows how to turn things up when it comes to celebrating, and celebrating big, but we're taking it to a whole new level - and this time it's gonna last all year!

Not to bring the room down – but have you considered what our nation's 250th might've been like had the 2024 presidential election gone a different way? Sort of a dystopian thought, I know, considering previous administrations and the way they shied away from acknowledging America's goodness – let alone her exceptionalism. To be fair, any President surely would've commemorated this major American milestone. Probably there might've been some pretty cool fireworks, maybe a parade or a White House ball. There might've even been some cool military flyovers- or maybe not. Thankfully, we didn't have to find out.

Instead, we have the vision of the 47th President Donald J. Trump taking shape in 2026. Though he took office just last year with some pretty formidable immediate challenges- wars, soaring inflation, an open border, and rampant crime in a number of our nation's great cities – including our nation's capital. Somehow, he still had time to build a team to bring his vision to the biggest year-long party we've ever seen.

A far cry from any previous U.S. celebration, in signature Trump fashion, this year, we had to have not just fireworks but the biggest display in the history of the world. He not only oversaw the creation of the Great American State Fair, an unprecedented 16-day event on our beautiful National Mall, but leading up to this grand celebration, he commissioned the restoration of monuments and fountains throughout the city while simultaneously helping D.C. achieve its lowest crime rate in many years. Put simply – our nation's capital is ready – and safe for gathering, partying, exploring, and experiencing the many monuments to America's history.

Still not enough for President Trump. His vision included unprecedented events throughout the year. We've seen UFC fights on the White House lawn, and later this year he's promised IndyCar races through the streets of Washington, DC. Yes, please.

One might think the sheer magnitude would be too much with all the other challenges our nation and this administration face on a day-to-day basis- but you'd be wrong. Our president has ushered in a new spirit of unabashed patriotism, celebration – and unapologetic family-friendly American fun!

The FIFA World Cup has sparked parties from coast to coast, as the perfect tee-up for the big July 4th festivities. Seeing our Norwegian friends rowing in the stands, and our Scottish brothers and sisters draining Boston's beer with song and reverie – and hearing the raves of countless Europeans and those visiting from Asia sampling Texas barbecue and midnight Waffle House runs has served to remind us of a few of the taken-for-granted blessings of U.S. citizenship.

If you've missed any of the fun- don't worry – there's so much more leading up to Independence Day and beyond. This week we're running down some of the events happening over the next few weeks – and throughout the year-long celebration of our nation!

• America Is Back: A Kick-Off Celebration for the Great American State Fair

  I'm watching this live online as I write this. My heart is swelling as America's Presidential Tenor, Christopher Macchio, performed "Nessun Dorma" as the sun set in D.C. on a beautiful, clear summer night. The event featured stirring speeches from members of the administration, wonderful performances from the President's own Marine Band and the United States Army "Downrange" Rock Band, and B-2 Spirit Bombers and F-35 Lightning IIs that performed military flyovers throughout the event. The president took the stage to chants of "USA!" and with his inspiring remarks – the Great American State Fair is underway.

• The Great American State Fair – June 25-July 10 There's so much to see during this 16-day extravaganza, and planners expect hundreds of thousands of Americans and visitors to attend. In addition to the 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel anchoring the event, the "Freedom 250 Wheel," there are 150 pavilions, including one for all the states and territories as well as others like the American Canvas Pavilion hosted by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Faith & Family Pavilion where Moms For America will be. If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by! There will also be nonstop activity, including movie screenings, a rodeo, military flyovers, food, concerts, games, and competitions. Every day will have a different theme – so check out the Great American State Fair website at Freedom250.org for more details.

• Freedom Trucks – Throughout 2026 – Six tricked-out semi-trucks will be traversing our nation all year long. They are described as "a Museum on Wheels" that allow you and your family to "Step Inside the American Story" through interactive exhibits that explore the history leading to America's birth. There's even an AI-powered portrait of President George Washington. Look for one of these to possibly visit your school, community, or state fair this year – and if you'd like to request that one come to your city – you can do so on the Freedom250 website.

  
  

• Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library Opening – July 1 – Finally, a presidential library will commemorate the legacy of our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. One of our nation's foremost conservationists, also known for creating America's most beloved national parks, this new American landmark is opening in Medora, North Dakota.

  
  

• Rushmore 250 – July 3 – Set in the Black Hills of South Dakota, beautiful Mount Rushmore will host a celebration featuring fireworks, family activities, and military presentations.

  
  

• International Naval Review & Sail 4th 250 - July 4 – 8 – This one I really wish I could see! This one-time, largest-ever exhibition of U.S. and international ships and aircraft will be in New York Harbor and will feature the largest flotilla of tall ships from nations around the world, all gathered for this unrivaled nautical event.

  
  

• Salute To America Celebration & Fireworks - July 4 – As we mentioned, our president doesn't do anything halfway. That's why this display will feature 860,000 individual fireworks – outdoing the previous record-holder, the Philippines' New Year's Eve celebration, which had a paltry 810,000 shells in 2016. This year, Uncle Sam says, "Hold my beer."

  
  

• The 2026 Patriot Games – August 9-11 – Young athletes from every state will apply to compete in these games to be broadcast primetime on ABC. One male and one female athlete will share the $250,000 scholarship prize pool.

  
  

• Freedom 250 Grand Prix – August 22-23 – This first-ever IndyCar race to be held downtown in our nation's capital will take place on the National Mall and is free to attend.

  
  

• American Heroes Student Art Contest – Submissions for this nationwide art contest have closed, but more than 150 winners, chosen in age categories from elementary to high school, will be flown to Washington, DC, between July 7-9 for the Student Art Exhibition and Award Ceremony at the Great American State Fair.

  
  

Don't Miss Other Goodies from Freedom 250

Don't miss out on the other resources you can enjoy with your family on the Freedom250.org website.

• The Story of America videos from Hillsdale College

• The Founders Museum includes the Founding Fathers, the Signers, and Ladies of the Revolution.

• American History in Motion: Create Your Own Founders Museum with Printables and instructions to create a unique history experience for your community, school, or church.

Check out America250, too.

Though we've primarily highlighted the festivities related to Freedom250 in this post, it's worth mentioning that additional activities, celebrations, and experiences are underway with America250, so be sure to learn more about what they have planned.

Notably, they are hosting America's Block Party, featuring simultaneous parties nationwide on the 3rd and 4th of July. Their initiatives also include a push to encourage generosity in America through Giving 4th, which raises funds each year to benefit dozens of selected charities, including many veterans' organizations like Folds of Honor and Tunnel to Towers, as well as Make-A-Wish, Girl Scouts, and City Serve. Check out all the details, dates, and causes represented on the website: America250.org.

So much is happening, and as Americans we have so much to be thankful for – and to celebrate. Like you, we at Moms for America are here for it! You may not be able to get a spot along the Freedom 250 Grand Prix route this year, but be sure to find out about all the celebrations in your neck of the woods. We are partying from sea to shining sea – so grab your bedazzled USA hat and all the gear, and let's celebrate the greatest nation in the world – and this historic moment together!

Podcast Note: In this week’s podcast, Second Lady Usha Vance joins Debbie for a candid conversation about the joys and challenges of motherhood and family life, her commitment to literacy and education, America's 250th birthday, and the opportunities ahead for our country. Tune in on Tuesday at 10am EST to listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: YouTube, Rumble, Spotify or Apple