National Rededication to “One Nation Under God” Set for May 17 at the National Mall
Written by | Michael Krempski
America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, a significant milestone for our country. President Trump has chosen many ways to reinforce civic pride, promote a historical understanding of America’s foundational principles, and provide moral grounding in our country. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, President Trump will rededicate the nation to “One Nation Under God.” [1] This event is a reflection on the shared heritage that contributes to the moral fabric of our society.
Thousands of Americans are expected to gather at the National Mall for this historic event aimed at reaffirming the nation’s trust in God. The gathering, officially titled “Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving,” [2] is part of a broader set of events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and reflects the importance the White House is placing on the role of faith in the nation’s founding and future.
The Rededicate 250 event is a reflection on God’s providence in American history, inviting Americans to give thanks and commit the future of the country back to God. According to the White House, “At sunrise, the National Mall will transform into a large-scale revival, beginning with worship, testimonies, and music, and culminating in a powerful national moment of prayer.” [3] During the February 24, 2026, State of the Union Address, President Donald Trump proclaimed, “[W]e must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation under God.” [4]
The title of the event itself has biblical meaning. The concept of a Jubilee originates in the Bible, specifically in Book of Leviticus chapter 25. In ancient Israel, the Jubilee year occurred every 50th year and was marked by profound social and spiritual reset. During this time, debts were forgiven, land was returned to its original families, and those who had fallen into servitude were set free. It was a radical expression of justice, mercy, and restoration. It was a time to remind the people that the land ultimately belonged to God.
The Jubilee proclaimed freedom. This theme is captured in one of the most famous biblical declarations, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” [5] That very phrase is inscribed on the Liberty Bell, one of the most enduring symbols of American independence. The inscription comes directly from Leviticus 25:10, tying the nation’s founding ideals to the ancient biblical vision of liberty and restoration.
The choice of May 17th holds historical significance; it coincides with the 250th anniversary of a May 17, 1776, proclamation by the Continental Congress dedicating a day to fasting and prayer.
Congress was calling the colonies to unite around faith in Jesus Christ during a time of crisis, emphasizing repentance, forgiveness, and dependence on Divine help. They called on the people to observe a day of fasting and prayer, confess their sins, and seek pardon through Jesus, trusting in his mercy and mediation. They asked for his help in overcoming their enemies, strengthening their leaders and soldiers, and securing freedom and peace, with the hope that through Christ’s aid their rights and future would be preserved. Congress declared that they:
“… Do earnestly recommend, that Friday, the Seventeenth day of May next, be observed by the said colonies as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and, by a sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease his righteous displeasure, and, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain his pardon and forgiveness; humbly imploring his assistance to frustrate the cruel purposes of our unnatural enemies; and by inclining their hearts to justice and benevolence, prevent the further effusion of kindred blood. …” [6] [7]
This message was reinforced in the General Orders, issued by George Washington, on May 15, 1776, which echoed the same call to seek God’s mercy, urging both civilians and soldiers to pray for forgiveness, guidance, and success. The orders stressed that by faithfully carrying out these religious duties, they might “incline the Lord, and Giver of Victory, to prosper our arms.” [8]
Together, these statements show that both Congress and military leadership believed their cause depended not just on human effort, but on turning to Jesus Christ for forgiveness, unity, and ultimate victory.
Leading up to this event, the White House has launched a nationwide invitation to prayer. “America Prays” [9] calls on Americans to commit weekly time in prayer for the nation and its people, urging small groups to gather regularly and focus on worship, intercession, and thanksgiving as the country prepares to celebrate 250 years of freedom. The initiative highlights that prayer has “sustained and strengthened” [10] the nation since its founding and invites citizens to join in spiritual renewal for the next 250 years. The “America Prays” website offers a collection of historical prayers, sermons, and presidential proclamations spanning American history.
As America approaches 250 years of independence, Rededicate 250 calls the nation to remember that true freedom is rooted in God. From the prayers and proclamations of the Continental Congress to the biblical vision of Jubilee, this anniversary invites Americans to turn to Jesus Christ in gratitude, repentance, and unity. By rededicating the nation under God, the people reaffirm that the blessings of liberty and the promise of the future depend not on human effort, but on trusting in His guidance and mercy.
To learn more about Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving, visit the official website for resources, event details, and ways to participate in this nationwide call to renewal.
Endnotes:
[1] The White House. “America Prays.”The White House, https://www.whitehouse.gov/freedom250/america-prays/. Accessed April 3, 2026.
[2] “Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving.”Freedom 250, https://freedom250.org/rededication250. Accessed April 3, 2026.
[3] The White House. “Freedom 250.”The White House, https://www.whitehouse.gov/freedom250/. Accessed April 3 2026.
[4] Trump, Donald J. “President Donald J. Trump’s 2026 State of the Union Address.”YouTube, uploaded by The White House, 24 Feb. 2026, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWrZQBgpY7I. Accessed April 3, 2026.
[5] Leviticus 25:10.BibleHub, King James Version, https://biblehub.com/leviticus/25-10.htm. Accessed April 3, 2026.
[6] “Second Continental Congress — March 16, 1776.”American Founding, https://americanfounding.org/entries/second-continental-congress-march-16-1776/. Accessed April 3, 2026.
[7] Library of Congress. “Religion and the Congress of the Confederation.”Religion and the Founding of the American Republic, Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel04.html. Accessed April 3, 2026.
[8] Washington, George. Founders Online: The Papers of George Washington. Document no. 03‑04‑02‑0243, Founders Online, National Archives and Records Administration and University of Virginia Press, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-04-02-0243. Accessed April 3, 2026.
[9] The White House. “America Prays.”The White House, https://www.whitehouse.gov/freedom250/america-prays/. Accessed April 3, 2026.
[10] The White House. “America Prays.”The White House, https://www.whitehouse.gov/freedom250/america-prays/. Accessed April 3, 2026.