Stein Rallies North Carolina to Champion Liberty as America 250 Kickoff Ignites the State

RALEIGH – Under the bright lights of the state’s official America 250 celebration, Governor Josh Stein delivered a stirring call to action on Saturday, urging North Carolinians to not merely commemorate the nation’s past but to actively carry its founding principles into the future. The event, held at the historic State Capitol grounds, marked the beginning of a multi-year commemoration leading up to the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026.

Stein, speaking to a crowd of hundreds bundled against the brisk autumn air, framed the celebration as more than a history lesson. “Freedom is not a relic to be admired behind glass,” he said, his voice firm against the backdrop of colonial reenactors and waving flags. “It is a flame that must be passed from hand to hand, from generation to generation. It is our job to carry that freedom forward, not just for ourselves, but for those who will stand here 250 years from now.”

The governor’s remarks tapped into a deep vein of state pride, highlighting North Carolina’s unique role in the American Revolution, from the Mecklenburg Declaration to the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Stein emphasized that the spirit of ’76 lives in the state’s modern-day struggles for equality, opportunity, and justice. He challenged North Carolinians from Murphy to Manteo to honor their heritage by engaging in civic life, defending democratic institutions, and lifting up their neighbors.

The celebration featured live period music, military demonstrations, and a special unveiling of a commemorative America 250 time capsule, which will be sealed and opened in 2076. Organizers say the event is just the first of many initiatives designed to get every county involved. As the ceremony concluded with a booming cannon salute and the release of white doves, the message was clear: for North Carolina, the pursuit of a more perfect union is not over—it is just getting started.