The Patrick County VA250 Committee was represented in Williamsburg as the third and final “A Common Cause” gathering was held March 24–26. The event brought together organizers from across the country who are helping plan America’s 250th birthday celebration on July 4, 2026.
Attendees came from 40 states and 61 Virginia localities to hear from historians, state and national planners, and to exchange ideas with other local organizers.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin welcomed attendees to Williamsburg and emphasized the opportunity the milestone presents to educate future generations about “what it has meant, what it means, and what it will mean to be an American.”
One highlight for those of the Virginia delegation was a special video presentation showcasing historical landmarks and moments from around the Commonwealth. The video concluded with the tagline, “America: Made in Virginia,” which drew applause from Virginians in attendance.
Carly Fiorina, national honorary chairman of VA250, followed the video with remarks about the significance of Virginia’s role in American history.
“We do not say ‘America: Made in America’ as a brag, or as a challenge. We say it because we feel a special obligation,” she said.
The event’s emotional and cultural centerpiece came Tuesday evening, as attendees and members of the public gathered on the Palace Green for a preview of filmmaker Ken Burns’ upcoming six-part, 12-hour documentary, “The American Revolution.” With the looming rain holding off, the evening concluded with fireworks against the backdrop of the Governor’s mansion.
Burns said the series, scheduled to air in November 2025, will feature both well-known and lesser-known historical figures. He expressed hope that the project and the 250th celebration will help “put the us, back in the U.S.”
For local planners, including representatives from Patrick County, the gathering offered a valuable chance to gain inspiration and insight from other communities.
Over the next 16 months, events commemorating the Semiquincentennial will take place across Virginia and the nation. The Patrick County VA250 Committee is currently working on a number of local events, which will be announced on the committee’s Facebook page, facebook.com/PatrickCountyVA250, as details are finalized.
