Governor Ivey Announces America 250 Alabama Celebration at State Capitol

May 15, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala - Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday that Alabama will officially kick off its historic summer with an America 250 Alabama Celebration at the State Capitol next week, marking the beginning of statewide commemorations leading up to America's 250th birthday in 2026.

The event, open to the public, will take place Thursday, May 21, at 11:00 a.m. on the front steps of the Capitol ahead of Memorial Day weekend. During the ceremony, Governor Ivey will unveil a massive 250th‑edition U.S. flag that will hang between the Capitol's columns throughout the summer. The program will feature patriotic music from the 151st Army Band, a performance of The Star‑Spangled Banner by Amelia Alverson, a Pell City High School student whose rendition went viral, and a special musical appearance by Randy Owen, lead singer of the legendary Alabama band. The celebration will conclude with a dramatic flyover by four F‑35 fighter jets.

Governor Ivey said the event symbolizes Alabama's pride in its place within the nation's history and its commitment to honoring the ideals of freedom and unity. "We live in the greatest nation on this Earth, and it is only fitting Alabama pay tribute to this country we are proud to call home," Ivey said. "There is truly no better time to be an American and an Alabamian than right now." The governor first previewed the celebration during remarks in Huntsville earlier this week, emphasizing that no tickets are required and encouraging families statewide to attend.

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, Alabama's event will serve as an early milestone in the broader America 250 initiative-a nationwide effort to commemorate the founding of the United States and celebrate the people, places, and values that continue to define it.