Thousands Attend ‘Rededicate 250’ Prayer Celebration on National Mall

WASHINGTON—Thousands of Americans, of all ages and backgrounds, convened on the National Mall on May 17, singing in unison, arms raised together in prayer.

They were in the nation’s capital for a faith-based celebration known as “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving.” Many told The Epoch Times that the day was about healing and compassion.

The Washington Monument was visible behind the stage, with puffy white clouds and brilliant blue skies above, the Capitol dome looming behind the audience, and the Smithsonian Castle framing the crowd.

The event, organized by nonpartisan nonprofit group Freedom 250, kicked 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’s 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 War Secretary 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 provided only his first name, told The Epoch Times that he traveled to the event with his father from Carrol County, Maryland. He and others said the bipartisan crowd is a sign that Americans 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.”

One group came to raise awareness for their pastor, David E. Taylor, who is facing charges of participating in a forced labor operation, which his supporters vehemently deny.

“We came to support President Trump because we know he’s supporting the church,” Kea Jones, with the Kingdom of God Church in Michigan, told 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 will span 16 days from June 25 through July 10.

Participants headed out the gates after a long day, smiling 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 that a broader inclusion of more faiths was appropriate, noting that the lineup was mainly Christian, with one Orthodox Jewish rabbi included, but no other religions represented.