Fourth of July Fort Monroe – Virginia American Revolution 250 Commemoration

America. Made in Virginia:
Fourth at the Fort

A Call to the Youth of Virginia

On July 4, 2025,
The youth of Virginia, their families, friends and neighbors,
are hereby invited to the
Commonwealth’s biggest birthday bash
on the historic grounds of Fort Monroe

“Free to dream in the colors that we choose
We’re free to dream in a million different hues
We have the freedom to believe
The freedom to achieve and reach our heart’s desire
To reach for something higher
We’re Free to Dream.”
Free to Dream
Lyric by William Schermerhorn

This event is FREE but we encourage you to register to receive event updates, including inclement weather notices, via text message and email.On Friday, July 4, 2025, the American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), along with the Fort Monroe Authority, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Hampton250 Committee, will host a vibrant program that encourages the youth of America to:

Discover the revolutionary spirit that led to the birth of a new nation.
Engage in fun-filled activities that celebrate the people and traditions of Virginia.
Be inspired by the words, art and music that celebrate our hopes and dreams.
Enjoy the fireworks and drone show!

VA250 and partners will honor the profound historical significance of Fort Monroe and Point Comfort. Known as “Freedom’s Fortress,” Fort Monroe has been a pivotal site in American history, from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 to the Civil War’s “Contraband of War” decision, which set the stage for the Emancipation Proclamation.

Schedule of Events

Eagle Staff Posting & Flag Song
Parade Ground | 8:45 am
Virginia’s Tribal Nations

Naturalization Ceremony
Parade Ground | 9:00 am

Flag Ceremony
Flagstaff Overlook | 10:00 am
Fort Monroe National Monument & James Monroe Foundation

Community Activities and Pathways of Freedom Programming
Continental Park | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fort Tours, Historic Programming
Family & Sensory Friendly Activities
Fort Monroe Foundation & National Park Service

Out of Many, One Festival
Patton Street Park | 3:00 – 7:00 pm

Expressions of Virginia Area
“A Salute to the Arts”
Featuring Art Demos and Craft Vendors Health & Wellness Organizations, Outdoor and Nature Representatives

Steve Prince: America250’s Birthday Quilt Project
Art Tent | 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Voices of Tomorrow: The Society of Junior Patriots
Expressions of Freedom Stage
Hosted by Nation Builder Mr. James Madison

Expressions of Freedom
Student Competition Finalists
Expressions of Freedom Stage

Lessons from Memory to Movement: Global Shared Heritage and Revolutionary Thought in Early America
Expressions of Freedom Stage
Eola Dance & Dr. Anthony Parent

History of Virginia Area
Featuring Virginia’s History & Museums, Virginia’s Cities & Counties, VA Communities, VA University, & the U.S. Military.

VA250 Mobile Museum Experience
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

History Performance Area
The DAY Program
Indigenous Drum

A Taste of Virginia Area
Featuring

A 4th of July Family Picnic
Food Trucks & VA Craft Beer Garden
3:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Free to Dream
Grand Ceremony
The Main Stage | 7:30 pm
Fireworks & Drone Show | 9:15 pm
Featuring
The United States Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band
Major Christina Muncey, Commander
Gospel Choir
Leah Glenn Dance Theatre
Leah Glenn, Choreographer
Margaret Woods
“Patriotic Sing Along” | “Free to Dream” Vocalist
“Heartbeat of Freedom” Drummers
“Declaration of Independence” Student Readers

The Give Me Liberty traveling exhibit will be on display at the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center.