Former Presidents Barack Obama, a Democrat, and George W. Bush, a Republican, will mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 in a show of unity at a time of political division.
With the 2024 presidential election less than 100 days away, the political friction in America that has grown greater in recent years has been on full display. Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumed Democratic nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, have been attacking each other over their policies and personal characteristics.
The festivities for America’s 250th anniversary began in June 2023, but the celebration will formally launch on July 4, 2026, when the country will be well-settled into the new administration. The celebration will include events in all 50 states and six U.S. territories, beginning with a Major League Baseball game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field in Milwaukee on July 4, 2026, according to The Associated Press.
Former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush will serve alongside their husbands as honorary national co-chairs of America250, the organization that oversees the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Barack and Michelle Obama said in a statement on Thursday: “America is not the same country it was 250 years ago—but there are threads that tie us back to the very beginning of it all. Our history plays a big role in shaping the kind of future we hope to create. That’s why we could not be more thrilled to serve as Honorary National Co-Chairs of America250. We look forward to celebrating the Semiquincentennial and sharing the remarkable stories that make our nation the place it is today.”
“As America prepares for our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are proud to serve our country once again as Honorary National Co-Chairs of America250. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our history and recommit to our country’s founding values. We look forward to working with America250 and our fellow citizens to celebrate the goodness and greatness of the United States of America,” George W. and Laura Bush said in a statement on Thursday.
America250 has also launched a few initiatives in preparation for the semiquincentennial celebration, including a compilation of the United States’ largest oral history, known as Our American Story. In July, the organization opened up nominations for Americans to give their thoughts on whose stories should be recorded for Our American Story.
Early last month, America250 announced the 75 first-place awardees from 27 states in America’s Field Trip, a nationwide scholastic contest launched in March that had students reflect on what America means to them for a chance to earn field trip experiences at American landmarks.
America250 will also launch America Gives in the fall. America Gives is an initiative that will help reinvigorate a culture of service in the U.S. with the help of its founding sponsor, Walmart. It will focus on charitable giving, volunteer service and public service, including military service.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome President George W. Bush, Mrs. Laura Bush, President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama to the America250 family,” America250 Chair Rosie Rios, who served as U.S. treasurer during the Obama administration, said in a statement on Thursday. “As Presidents and First Ladies of the United States, their stories are foundational to the American story. We hope that their unique voices will help encourage everyone to participate in this pivotal commemoration.”
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
