Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have agreed to join forces in an effort to commemorate America's 250th anniversary in 2026. This initiative aims to build bipartisan momentum in a time of heightened political polarization.
The former presidents, along with former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, will serve as honorary national co-chairs of America250. This organization was established by Congress in 2016 to oversee the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The commission's leaders hope that the collaboration between the two recent Democratic and Republican presidents will set an example of bipartisan cooperation in a country where political consensus is increasingly rare. This move comes at a crucial time, with concerns rising over potential violence, particularly in the lead-up to a divisive presidential election.
Rosie Rios, a former U.S. treasurer who heads America250, emphasized the commission's commitment to inclusivity, stating that it has representation across all political spectrums. She highlighted that this celebration is a grassroots effort that aims to engage all Americans, from Guam to Alaska and everywhere in between.
The multiyear semiquincentennial celebration will feature events in all 50 states and six U.S. territories. The official launch is scheduled for July 4, 2026, during an MLB game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
Additionally, the celebration will include a service project called America Gives, an initiative to collect oral histories of Americans, and a nationwide scholastic contest where students will reflect on the meaning of America to them. The Obamas expressed their anticipation for reflecting on U.S. history and the diverse stories that have shaped the nation.
In a joint statement, the Obamas emphasized that while America has evolved over the past 250 years, there are enduring threads that connect the nation to its origins. They underscored the importance of understanding history in shaping the future they aspire to create.
Overall, the America250 initiative seeks to unite Americans in celebrating the nation's status as the oldest democracy in the world, fostering a sense of unity and shared heritage among citizens.
