type: timeline_event
President Trump issued Proclamation 11007 at the 74th annual National Prayer Breakfast declaring 2026 a "Year of Celebration and Rededication" to commemorate 250 years of American independence, calling on every American "to celebrate this triumph of the American spirit, and to rededicate themselves to the sacred cause of liberty and justice for all." The proclamation honors "the generations of pioneers, warriors, statesmen, preachers, inventors, risk-takers, workers, and heroes whose unwavering commitment to the promise of freedom gave rise to the greatest Republic ever created," and encourages "all Americans — including businesses, churches, families, and the military — to observe this year, reflecting on the blessings our Nation has received, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, concerts, celebrations, and activities in their homes, schools, work, communities, military bases, and houses of worship."
The proclamation invokes religious language throughout, stating "The Bible teaches: 'In all circumstances give thanks,'" and calling it fitting to "rededicate ourselves as one Nation under God." Trump announced the official date of May 17, 2026, for "Rededicate 250"—a national Jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. The proclamation reflects the administration's ongoing promotion of Christian nationalist themes through official government channels, explicitly invoking biblical scripture in a presidential proclamation and calling for religious observances at military bases and government workplaces.
While presidential proclamations commemorating national anniversaries are traditional, this proclamation's emphasis on religious rededication "under God" and its issuance at the National Prayer Breakfast signals the administration's willingness to blur the line between patriotic celebration and religious nationalism. The explicit call for observances "in their homes, schools, work, communities, military bases, and houses of worship" suggests government encouragement of religious activities in federal workplaces and military installations, raising potential establishment clause concerns about state endorsement of religious practice.