Latest news with #TaskForce250
Fox News
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fox News
Indy 500 to honor U.S. Army's 250th birthday with Apache helicopter flyover
The Indy 500 will have a special tribute to the United States Army this Memorial Day Weekend. Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be filled with thousands of fans to see who will take home the checkered flag of the most prominent IndyCar. But before dozens of drivers aim to etch their names in the history books, it will pay homage to the Army's 250th birthday. Two Army Apache helicopters will fly above the cars on the first pace lap of the race. It is being dubbed the "Pace Lap for America." Sunday marks the 109th edition of the big race, with the first taking place way back in 1911. President Donald Trump will host a military parade in June to honor military veterans and active-duty service members and commemorate the U.S. Army's 250th birthday, Fox News Digital learned earlier this month. The parade is scheduled for June 14, the 250th birthday of the United States Army and Trump's birthday. The parade comes after Trump, in January, signed an executive order creating "Task Force 250," which is focused on coordinating the plans and activities celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. The 250th anniversary of America's founding will be July 4, 2026. In the lead-up to the major 2026 celebration, the White House has celebrated the anniversaries of major events in America's founding, including the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give me Death" speech in March, the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's famous ride in April and the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. During his first term, Trump held a unique "Salute To America" event on the Fourth of July in 2019, which was different from typical Independence Day celebrations put on by past presidents. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
The Herald Scotland
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
America's 250th: Iowa adjusts firework laws for milestone July 4 party
The bill comes two years after Trump proposed the idea of a Great American State Fair to be held in Iowa in July 2026 for the country's anniversary milestone. "Current law allows a patchwork of ordinances that are a trap for the unwary patriotic American in Iowa who simply wants to celebrate Independence Day the way it was intended by our founding fathers and the way it has been for centuries," Republican Iowa Rep. Bill Gustoff said on the House floor. "In too many communities in Iowa, they can't do that." As the bill's fate lies in Reynolds' hands, here's what to know about the legislation, Trump's proposed Great American Fair and Iowa's plans for 2026 Fourth of July. If passed, what would Iowa's firework bill do? If signed into law by Reynolds, Senate File 303 would prohibit city and county governments from regulating or prohibiting Iowans' use of consumer fireworks on July 3 and 4, and on Dec. 31, for New Year's Eve. In a 2024 social media post, Reynolds said the state of Iowa would "stand ready to host the Great American State Fair." The timing of her decision is unclear. Des Moines Register: Iowans could shoot off fireworks on 4th of July, New Year's Eve under bill sent to Reynolds What is the Great American Fair? In 2023, Trump proposed the idea of hosting the Great American Fair. To be held from Memorial Day 2025 to July 4, 2026, Trump said the event would be headquartered at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Though plans for such an event have yet to be shared, and Trump's administration declined commenting when contacted by USA TODAY on May 13, Trump did sign an executive order in January that created Task Force 250. As outlined by the order and headed by Trump, Task Force 250 is responsible for planning and executing "an extraordinary celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence" on July 4, 2026. The task force is also responsible for the creation of the National Garden of American Heroes, a sculpture garden first proposed by the president in 2020 that is scheduled to open in July 2026. "My hope is that the amazing people of Iowa will work with my administration to open up the legendary Iowa State Fairgrounds to host the Great American State Fair and welcome millions and millions of visitors from around the world to the heartland of America for this special one-time festival," Trump said in the 2023 video. Is the Great American Fair really happening? Despite Trump's executive order, plans for an official Great American Fair don't appear to be in place yet. "Although we are biased and believe the Iowa State Fair is the best, we have received no official requests or inquiries for the Great American Fair at this time," Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons told USA TODAY on May 13. However, the United States Semiquincentennial, also known as America250, is a nonprofit dedicated to the celebration of the 250th anniversary across the country. The America250 lists several events throughout the country on its website but does not mention any details about the Great American Fair. National Garden of American Heroes: NEH hiring artists for Trump's 250-statue garden plan. It just cut 1,000 other grants. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@ or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller. Sabine Martin covers politics for the Register. She can be reached by email at or by phone at (515) 284-8132. Follow her on X at @sabinefmartin.
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
America turns 250 on July 4, 2026. One state looks to loosen fireworks law for celebration
America turns 250 on July 4, 2026. One state looks to loosen fireworks law for celebration In 2023, President Donald Trump proposed a 250th anniversary celebration to be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, starting Memorial Day weekend 2025. The state appears to be readying itself. Show Caption Hide Caption Fireworks to return to Mount Rushmore for nation's 250th birthday in 2026 Fireworks will be making a comeback at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota in 2026 for a Fourth of July celebration. Straight Arrow News Iowa lawmakers have passed a bill that would prohibit the regulation of firework displays during the Fourth of July, paving the way for a yearlong celebration lauded by President Donald Trump ahead of the United States' 250th birthday next summer. Iowa's Senate File 303 would prohibit local governments from regulating the use of fireworks by Iowa residents on July 3 and 4. After passing in the House, the bill is heading to Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk. The bill comes two years after Trump proposed the idea of a Great American State Fair to be held in Iowa in July 2026 for the country's anniversary milestone. "Current law allows a patchwork of ordinances that are a trap for the unwary patriotic American in Iowa who simply wants to celebrate Independence Day the way it was intended by our founding fathers and the way it has been for centuries," Republican Iowa Rep. Bill Gustoff said on the House floor. "In too many communities in Iowa, they can't do that." As the bill's fate lies in Reynolds' hands, here's what to know about the legislation, Trump's proposed Great American Fair and Iowa's plans for 2026 Fourth of July. If passed, what would Iowa's firework bill do? If signed into law by Reynolds, Senate File 303 would prohibit city and county governments from regulating or prohibiting Iowans' use of consumer fireworks on July 3 and 4, and on Dec. 31, for New Year's Eve. In a 2024 social media post, Reynolds said the state of Iowa would "stand ready to host the Great American State Fair." The timing of her decision is unclear. Des Moines Register: Iowans could shoot off fireworks on 4th of July, New Year's Eve under bill sent to Reynolds What is the Great American Fair? In 2023, Trump proposed the idea of hosting the Great American Fair. To be held from Memorial Day 2025 to July 4, 2026, Trump said the event would be headquartered at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Though plans for such an event have yet to be shared, and Trump's administration declined commenting when contacted by USA TODAY on May 13, Trump did sign an executive order in January that created Task Force 250. As outlined by the order and headed by Trump, Task Force 250 is responsible for planning and executing "an extraordinary celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence" on July 4, 2026. The task force is also responsible for the creation of the National Garden of American Heroes, a sculpture garden first proposed by the president in 2020 that is scheduled to open in July 2026. "My hope is that the amazing people of Iowa will work with my administration to open up the legendary Iowa State Fairgrounds to host the Great American State Fair and welcome millions and millions of visitors from around the world to the heartland of America for this special one-time festival," Trump said in the 2023 video. Is the Great American Fair really happening? Despite Trump's executive order, plans for an official Great American Fair don't appear to be in place yet. "Although we are biased and believe the Iowa State Fair is the best, we have received no official requests or inquiries for the Great American Fair at this time," Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons told USA TODAY on May 13. However, the United States Semiquincentennial, also known as America250, is a nonprofit dedicated to the celebration of the 250th anniversary across the country. The America250 lists several events throughout the country on its website but does not mention any details about the Great American Fair. National Garden of American Heroes: NEH hiring artists for Trump's 250-statue garden plan. It just cut 1,000 other grants. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@ or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller. Sabine Martin covers politics for the Register. She can be reached by email at or by phone at (515) 284-8132. Follow her on X at @sabinefmartin.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump to host military parade to celebrate Army's 250th birthday, honor active-duty service members, veterans
EXCLUSIVE: President Donald Trump will host a military parade in June to honor military veterans and active-duty service members and commemorate the U.S. Army's 250th birthday, Fox News Digital has learned. The parade is scheduled for June 14, the 250th birthday of the United States Army and Trump's birthday. Trump To Create Task Force To Plan 'Extraordinary Celebration' For 250Th Anniversary Of America's Independence The parade will have reenactors, equipment and more from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War/Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror (Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria). It will also feature active-duty service members and students at U.S. military academies. "The president is planning an historic celebration of the Army's 250th birthday that will honor generations of selfless Americans who have risked everything for our freedom," White House Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley told Fox News Digital. "Exactly 250 years ago, the first American patriots died for the cause of Independence. We owe our freedom to them and to every solider who has given their life for our nation in the 2½ centuries since." Read On The Fox News App The parade comes after Trump, in January, signed an executive order creating "Task Force 250," which is focused on coordinating the plans and activities celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. The 250th anniversary of America's founding is July 4, 2026. "As one of the first events of the year-long celebration of our 250th anniversary, this commemorative parade will be a fitting tribute to the service, sacrifice and selflessness of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform and devoted their lives to defending the greatest experiment in liberty known to man," Vance told Fox News Digital. Trump White House Releases Video Series Leading Up To America's 250Th Birthday: 'Road To Independence' The White House is coordinating closely with the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Park Service and a number of other agencies to plan "this spectacular event honoring our veterans, active-duty service members and military history," an official told Fox News Digital. "We love our military and take great pride in honoring our warfighters," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News Digital. "In celebration of 250 years of the U.S. Army, we will throw the biggest and most beautiful military parade in our nation's history." Meanwhile, the task force is coordinating "the plans and activities of federal agencies for an extraordinary celebration of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence." Task Force 250 builds upon the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration half a century ago. The celebration "emphasized national renewal of our founding ideals after a period of national unrest and division," the White House told Fox News Digital. Ahead Of Trump Speech To Congress, Flashback To 2017 Address Asking 'What Will America Look Like' At 250 In the lead-up to the major 2026 celebration, the White House has celebrated the anniversaries of major events in America's founding, including the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give me Death" speech in March, the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's famous ride in April and the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The executive order that established the task force also reinstated executive orders from Trump's first administration, establishing the National Garden of American Heroes, a statuary park memorializing 250 historically significant Americans, and commissioning artists for the first 100 statues. The National Garden of American Heroes honors "American heroism" after dozens of monuments to Americans, including presidents and Founding Fathers, were toppled or destroyed and never restored. The order also reinstated an order to protect American monuments, memorials and statues from destruction or vandalism. The White House said America's 250th anniversary will "afford an opportunity to unite the American people around their shared history and common future as a nation." During Trump's first term, he held a unique "Salute To America" event on the Fourth of July in 2019, which was different from typical Independence Day celebrations put on by past presidents. The event included a prominent display of military hardware with tanks parked near the National Mall and military flyovers by an array of aircraft. It also included an address on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial from the president and the typical fireworks article source: Trump to host military parade to celebrate Army's 250th birthday, honor active-duty service members, veterans
Fox News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump to host military parade to celebrate Army's 250th birthday, honor active-duty service members, veterans
EXCLUSIVE: President Donald Trump will host a military parade in June to honor military veterans and active-duty service members and commemorate the U.S. Army's 250th birthday, Fox News Digital has learned. The parade is expected to take place on June 14 — the 250th birthday of the United States Army and also Trump's birthday. The parade will have reenactors, equipment and more from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War/Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror (Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria). It's also slated to feature active-duty service members and students at U.S. military academies. "The President is planning an historic celebration of the Army's 250th birthday that will honor generations of selfless Americans who have risked everything for our freedom," White House Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley told Fox News Digital. "Exactly 250 years ago, the first American Patriots died for the cause of Independence. We owe our freedom to them, and to every solider who has given their life for our nation in the two and half centuries since." The parade comes after Trump, in January, signed an executive order creating "Task Force 250," which is focused on coordinating the plans and activities surrounding the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. The 250th anniversary of America's founding is July 4, 2026. "As one of the first events of the year-long celebration of our 250th anniversary, this commemorative parade will be a fitting tribute to the service, sacrifice, and selflessness of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform and devoted their lives to defending the greatest experiment in liberty known to man," Vance told Fox News Digital. The White House is coordinating closely with the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Parks Service and a number of other agencies to execute "this spectacular event honoring our Veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and military history," an official told Fox News Digital. "We love our military and take great pride in honoring our warfighters," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News Digital. "In celebration of 250 years of the U.S. Army, we will throw the biggest and most beautiful military parade in our nation's history." Meanwhile, the task force is coordinating "the plans and activities of federal agencies for an extraordinary celebration of the 250thh Anniversary of American Independence." Task Force 250 builds upon the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration half a century ago. The celebration "emphasized national renewal of our founding ideals after a period of national unrest and division," the White House told Fox News Digital. In the lead-up to the major 2026 celebration, the White House has celebrated the anniversaries of major events in America's founding, including the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give me Death" speech in March; the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's famous ride in April; and the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The executive order that established the task force also reinstated executive orders from Trump's first administration, establishing the National Garden of American Heroes, a statuary park memorializing 250 historically significant Americans, and commissioning artists for the first 100 statues. The National Garden of American Heroes honors "American heroism" after dozens of monuments to Americans, including presidents and Founding Fathers, were toppled or destroyed and never restored. The order also reinstated an order to protect American monuments, memorials and statues from destruction or vandalism. The White House said America's 250th anniversary will "afford an opportunity to unite the American people around their shared history and common future as a nation." During Trump's first term, he held a unique "Salute To America" event on the Fourth of July in 2019, which was different from typical Independence Day celebrations put on by past presidents. The event included a prominent display of military hardware with tanks parked near the National Mall and military flyovers by an array of aircraft. It also included an address on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial from the president and the typical fireworks display.
