Governor Kay Ivey announced Friday that she is encouraging all Alabamians to join in honoring America’s 250th anniversary by participating in the national Light to Unite week, July 1 through July 8, 2026.
During Light to Unite Week, Ivey’s office urged Alabamians to “show their patriotism by illuminating government buildings, businesses and homes in red, white and blue colors and to display the Stars and Stripes,” the governor’s press release stated.
“This July 4 marks a very special and historic anniversary for our Republic and the cause of liberty,” Ivey said. “We celebrate 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our great country. All Alabamians are encouraged to unite in celebration of America by lighting up their homes and communities to reflect the grand colors of our flag: red, white and blue and by displaying the Stars and Stripes.”
Light to Unite is a nationwide campaign launched by the National Flag Foundation designed to unite Americans in celebration of shared heritage, and Ivey has joined by proclaiming Light to Unite Week in Alabama. Senator Arthur Orr serves as chairman of the Alabama Semiquincentennial Commission and joined Ivey for the proclamation signing.
“As we prepare to commemorate 250 years of American independence, this initiative offers a fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who built and defended our nation,” Orr said. “By lighting our homes and communities in red, white and blue, Alabamians can come together in a visible show of unity in celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary.”
The timeline of the national Light to Unite campaign coincides with the historic week in American history during which the Continental Congress debated and voted for independence, formally adopted the Declaration of Independence and publicly read the Declaration to the American people.
Ivey also announced Alabama will host an America 250 Alabama Celebration at the State Capitol on May 21, 2026. During the event, Ivey will officially unveil a massive 250th edition U.S. flag to hang between the columns of the Capitol this summer. The program will also feature a musical performance by Randy Owen of Alabama and a flyover of four F-35 fighter jets over the State Capitol. The event is free to the public.
