WASHINGTON—Thousands of Americans came together on a bright, sunny Sunday on May 17 on the National Mall for a faith-based celebration known as “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving.”
The Washington Monument rose above the stage under puffy white clouds mixed with brilliant blue skies, as the Capitol dome loomed behind the audience and the Smithsonian Castle framed the crowd.
The event, organized by nonpartisan nonprofit group Freedom 250, kicks off months of festivities honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
May 17 was chosen to honor the Continental Congress’ call for a “Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer” on that date in 1776.
Attendees started gathering on the grounds early in the morning for the hours-long program, which emphasized spiritual revival and featured dozens of special guests and performers.
Numerous choirs and soloists from across the country played hymns and energized the crowds. Chris Tomlin, Grammy-winner and celebrity worship leader, headlined the musical acts.
Evangelical speakers included Franklin Graham, Paula White-Cain, and pastors Jentezen Franklin and Robert Jeffress, among others.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also addressed the crowd, and President Donald Trump delivered a video message from the White House, reading a passage from the Old Testament.
The program included three pillars: “The Miracles that Made Us, The Miracles in Our Midst, and A New Birth of Faith and Freedom.” Speakers reflected on the inspiration that led America’s founders, personal testimonies of healing, and a call for unification and God’s blessing for the next 250 years.
Joel, a young man who only provided his first name, told The Epoch Times he traveled to the event with his father from Carrol County, Maryland. He and others said the crowd of bipartisan individuals is a sign that American can come together, regardless of political leanings.
“I’m very happy to see people on both sides of the aisle here showing their faith,” he said. “That faith is going to help us repair this nation, which is what we’re seeking here. We’re not seeking one side to win or the other side to win, we want this nation under God, not under any man or political party.”
People of all ages and backgrounds from across the country were singing in unison, arms raised together in prayer. Many told The Epoch Times the day was about healing and compassion.
Attendees pray and celebrate during “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving” on the National Mall in Washington on May 17, 2026. Matthew Hatcher/AFP via Getty Images
“We came to support President Trump because we know he’s supporting the church,” Kea Jones, with the Kingdom of God Church from Michigan, told The Epoch Times.
Kea Jones, center, and supporters of the Kingdom of God Church gather on the National Mall in Washington on May 17, 2026 for the Rededicate 250 celebration. Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times
All Americans were invited to the celebration, which had no entry fee, and the event was livestreamed across the country by hundreds of churches and community organizations.
More events are planned in the coming months, including the Great American State Fair, which spans 16 days from June 25 through July 10.
Participants headed out the gates after a long day smiled as they talked of witnessing something special.
Security was tight on the mall, with tall fences blocking access to the grounds and only one public entrance, manned by security and magnetometers.
Some critical of the event waited on the streets nearby, waving signs protesting the White House’s stated support of the gathering, others calling for a separation of church and state.
Others suggested a broader inclusion of more faiths was appropriate, noting the lineup was mainly Christian, with one Orthodox Jewish rabbi included, but no other religions represented.
