Task Force 250 member shares overview on group’s mission to promote America’s 250th birthday.
With the nation inching closer to its 250th birthday, the White House has created its Salute to America 250 Task Force, also known as Task Force 250. The task force’s mission is to plan a full year of festivities through July 4, 2026, while engaging and encouraging the entire federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, non-profit and educational institutions, and every citizen across this country to join in the celebration.
Last week in Arlington, Va., a member of Task Force 250 was on hand to share the task force’s mission and how this year’s American Legion Boys Nation senators can assist with that mission.
Brittany Baldwin, a former White House speechwriter, addressed the Boys Nation senate on the program’s final day. She said Task Force 250 was “created in order to orchestrate celebrations across the federal government, but also across all 50 states and the private sectors, schools, etc.”
Baldwin said Task Force 250 has four goals:
1. Inspire a new love of American history.
2. Invite U.S. citizens to experience the beauty of the nation, both in physical spaces and culturally.
3. Ignite a new spirit of innovation to help the nation succeed for the next 250 years.
4. Encourage Americans to pray for the nation.
The task force has created a number of initiatives under each goal. “Some of them are directly relevant to you,” Baldwin told the senators, noting the creation of a video series, “The Story of America.” The series highlights the stories of the crucial characters and events that resulted in the Continental Army defeating the British Empire, establishing the United States.
Baldwin also shared information about the Founders Museum, which is housed in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The interactive experience honors the people and moments that built America, including portraits of Declaration of Independence signers, revolutionary women, and defining moments that gave birth to the United States. Each painting features an immersive video experience through the scanning of a QR code.
Another initiative Baldwin touched on is the Great American State Fair, a nationwide event that kicked off in July and will travel to state fairs across the country. The event will wrap up with a festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 2026, and will feature exhibits from all 50 states. “Very family friendly, very patriotic fair-type activities,” Baldwin said.
Before closing her remarks, Baldwin made an ask of the senators. “This is just what we’re doing at the White House,” she said. “But what’s really going to make this anniversary successful is not just what the government’s doing. The power is really with all of you: the people of the states across our country. That’s where we’re going to be able to reach 350 million Americans.
“What I would encourage and challenge each of you to do, as the leaders of your state … and think, ‘What’s one thing, one activity, one social media campaign, one initiative that we can do ourselves … to really bring a celebration of our country to life for people in our community?’”
- USA250