Freedom 250 Invites All Americans to Come Together in Prayer and Worship Ahead of the Nation’s 250th Birthday

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the National Mall will be the scene of a historic gathering as Americans of every background across the country prepare for the nation’s 250th birthday with Scripture, testimony, prayer, and rededication of our country as One Nation to God. From morning fellowship in front of the U.S. Capitol to an evening filled with music anchored at the main stage on 12th Street, Rededicate 250 will be rooted in giving thanks for God’s presence in our national life throughout 250 years of American history and asking for his guidance for the next 250.

Rededicate 250 will gather a broad assembly of voices united by a love of God and country:

Public servants and national leaders: House Speaker Mike Johnson, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ambassador and Chief of Protocol of the United States Monica Crowley, Former HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson, and Medal of Honor recipient Major General Patrick Brady (USA, Ret.).

Faith leaders from across the faith traditions: Bishop Robert Barron, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Reverend Franklin Graham, Pastor Jack Graham, Pastor Jentezen Franklin, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, Pastor Gary Hamrick, Reverend Samuel Rodriguez, Pastor Jonathan Falwell, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Eric Metaxas, Cissie Graham Lynch, Abigail Robertson, Pastor Jonathan Pokluda, and Pastor Andy Frank.

Military bands, choirs, and ceremonial units: “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the United States U.S. Navy Band, Grand Canyon University Canyon Choral Society, Hillsdale College Choir, Liberty Worship Collective, LU Praise, Fanfare Trumpets of the Armed Forces, and the Bagpipes from the United States Air Force Band.

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Three Pillars of the Day

Pillar I — The Miracles that Made Us

A reflection on God’s providence throughout 250 years, honoring the faith that inspired America’s founders and has carried us forward in every generation since.

Pillar II — The Miracles Still in Our Midst

Personal testimonies of God’s healing in our lives and in our land.

Pillar III — A New Birth of Faith and Freedom

A collective expression of gratitude for 250 years of freedom — and a unified moment of rededication asking for God’s blessing, guidance, and grace for the next 250.

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Event Details

• Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET
• Location: National Mall, Washington, D.C. — Main Stage at 12th Street
• Schedule: Sunrise worship before the U.S. Capitol through a full day of prayer, music, and testimony

Livestream: Available nationwide through partner churches, ministries, and organizations

Admission: Free and open to all Americans. Please register HERE.

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Media Credentials

Media can apply for credentials HERE no later than 5:00 PM ET on Friday, May 1, 2026. Due to space and security protocols, credentials will be limited. Once approved, media will receive a confirmation email with instructions. This email will include details on credential pick-up, media access, parking, security sweeps, and road closures. Credentials are non-transferable.

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Speakers

Public Leadership

• Speaker Mike Johnson — Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
• Bishop Robert Barron — Bishop of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester and Founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries
• Secretary of War Pete Hegseth — U.S. Secretary of War
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio (via video message) — U.S. Secretary of State
• Ambassador and Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley — Chief of Protocol of the United States
• Dr. Ben Carson — Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and renowned neurosurgeon
• Major General Patrick Brady, USA (Ret.) — Medal of Honor recipient recognized for extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War

Faith Leaders

• Reverend Franklin Graham (via video message) — President and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
• Cardinal Timothy Dolan (via video message) — former Archbishop of New York
• Pastor Jack Graham — Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church
• Pastor Jentezen Franklin — Senior Pastor of Free Chapel and international speaker
• Rabbi Meir Soloveichik — Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel in New York City
• Pastor Jonathan Falwell — Chancellor of Liberty University and Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church
• Pastor Jonathan Pokluda — Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church and author focused on engaging young adults in faith
• Pastor Lorenzo Sewell — Detroit-based pastor known for community leadership and urban ministry
• Pastor Gary Hamrick — Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel and radio host
• Pastor Andy Frank — Faith leader and national ministry voice focused on discipleship and leadership development
• Reverend Samuel Rodriguez — Lead pastor of New Season Church and president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

Authors & Media Voices

• Eric Metaxas — Bestselling author, radio host, and commentator on faith, culture, and American history
• Cissie Graham Lynch — Author and ministry leader with Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
• Abigail Robertson Allen — Journalist and correspondent known for faith and culture reporting

Musical & Ceremonial Participants

• “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
• The United States Navy Band
• Liberty Worship Collective
• Liberty University Praise
• Grand Canyon University Canyon Choir
• Hillsdale College Choir
• Fanfare Trumpets of the United States Armed Forces
• Bagpipes from the United States Air Force Band
• Military Chaplains’ Prayer