Sunrise Prayer Marks the Semiquincentennial Opening The unofficial opening of the American semiquincentennial on the National Mall began with a prayer at sunrise, followed by a day of hallelujahs and amens on May 17,2026. The “Rededicate 250” program featured a video greeting by President Donald Trump and speeches, in person or recorded, from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, and House Speaker