The new year opened with more than fireworks and fresh resolutions. January 1, 2026 marked the official start of a yearlong celebration honoring 250 years of America’s story.
To kick it off, the Washington Monument was transformed into the world’s biggest birthday candle, lighting the way for Freedom 250, a nationwide anniversary celebration that will unfold throughout the year.
It is a moment meant to pause and reflect on how far the country has come, the people who shaped it, and the generations still writing its story.
As the calendar turns and the celebrations begin, this milestone invites communities like Benbrook to look ahead with gratitude, perspective, and hope for what the next chapter might hold.
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