RALEIGH — Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama and their wives, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, have been named “honorary national co-chairs” for the nation’s 250th-anniversary celebrations, according to America250, a nonpartisan nonprofit working on the anniversary alongside the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome President George W. Bush, Mrs. Laura Bush, President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama to the America250 family,” said America250 Chair Rosie Rios in a press release. “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.”
Established by Congress in 2016, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission is tasked with the planning of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Semiquincentennial Commission is made up of 16 private citizens, four U.S. representatives, four senators and 12 ex-officio members from the three branches of the federal government and its independent agencies. The appointees were selected by the leadership of both parties in the U.S. House and Senate.
North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis and U.S. Reps. Don Davis (D-NC-01), Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04), Richard Hudson (R-NC-09) and David Rouzer (R-NC-07) are part of the Congressional America250 Caucus.
In addition to the national commission, the North Carolina General Assembly formed a semiquincentennial committee chaired by Sen. W. Ted Alexander (R-Cleveland) and Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke). The committee will oversee the distribution of individual grants to counties and municipalities drawn from a $1 million budget. The committee’s next meeting is Aug. 22 at 2 p.m.
“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,” the Bushes said. “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.”
“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,” the Obamas said. “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.”
America250 recently launched three initiatives: Our American Story, a national oral history project seeking nominations for stories to preserve; America’s Field Trip, a student contest reflecting on America’s meaning, offering winners behind-the-scenes experiences at historical sites. Seventy-five first-place winners from 27 states were selected in the pilot year; America Gives, an upcoming program to promote charitable giving, volunteering and public service, including military service.
For more information on America250 and planned national activities, visit America250.org
In North Carolina, celebrations and events have already begun, with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) coordinating the state’s efforts. Two main concepts chosen by the department to serve as themes are “Revolutionary N.C.” and “When Are We US?”
Commemoration activities kicked off this past April with the “Halifax Resolves Days: Prelude to Revolution.”
On July 4, the America250 NC Airstream trailer visited the State Capitol grounds in Raleigh, bringing with it soldiers dressed in Revolutionary War garb, musical performances and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Upcoming America250 NC events include activities at Tryon Palace, Camp Flintlock and Horne Creek Living Historical Farm.
- 250th Anniversary of New Bern Resolves; Aug. 24, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; Tryon Palace: A patriotic event commemorating the New Bern Resolves featuring a parade with historical reenactors, civic groups, patriotic organizations, historic weapons demonstrations and a chance to see the America250 NC Airstream trailer. Additional events are planned for the New Bern area that day. For more information, go to visitnewbern.com.
- Camp Flintlock Colonial Faire at Camp Flintlock; Aug. 24; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The event boasts activities for the whole family, including a colonial store, making Native American-style necklaces, a children’s parade at noon, tomahawk throwing and more. This is a ticketed event. For more information, visit campflintlock.com/pages/colonial-faire.
- “Where the Water is Shallow, and the Current is Strong: Stone Fish Weirs of the Yadkin River”; Aug. 24; Horne Creek Living Historical Farm: Assistant State Archaeologist David Cranford will give a talk outlining how important fish were to Native Americans and early settlers of the Yadkin Valley region.
DNCR will hold its quarterly stakeholder Zoom meeting on Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. for those interested in getting involved in America250 NC. For meeting information and to become a stakeholder, contact Leigh Humen at [email protected].
