Lee Greenwood opened the Great American State Fair on June 24, 2026, performing “God Bless the USA” on the National Mall before introducing President Donald Trump at a rally marking the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary.
The fair, running from June 25 through July 10 on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, is one of several events organized under the Freedom 250 banner to commemorate the nation’s semiseptennial. The grounds feature a ferris wheel, concerts, exhibits, a rodeo, and a newly cleaned Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump’s June 24 “America Is Back” rally served as the official kickoff.
Country Music and the Marine Band Set the Tone
The ceremony opened with the United States Ceremonial Flag Unit presenting colors representing all 50 states, followed by country singer Alexis Wilkins performing the National Anthem alongside the President’s Own United States Marine Band. Wilkins, who regularly sings the anthem at Turning Point USA events, wrote ahead of the performance, “What a great honor to be a part of the 250th anniversary of our great nation.”
Country music artist @AlexisWilkins and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band performs the National Anthem at The Great American State Fair in Washington, DC pic.twitter.com/XidkuJAOSK
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) June 24, 2026
Master Gunnery Sgt. Alan Prather of the United States Marine Band followed with an acoustic guitar rendition of Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” beginning solo before the full band joined in. The performance was edited, omitting the song’s well-known profane line.
A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA’S HEROES
In tribute to the men and women who have defended our freedoms, Master Gunnery Sergeant Alan Prather of the President’s United States Marine Band performs Toby Keith’s iconic patriotic anthem, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” pic.twitter.com/oq28UN3Ab6
— Real America’s Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) June 24, 2026
Greenwood Introduces Trump; Flyovers Cap the Rally
Greenwood then took the stage, opening with “Hello America, Freedom 250!” before launching into his 1984 hit, which has anchored Trump campaign and political events for years. After the first chorus, Greenwood introduced Trump as both the 45th and 47th president before the two embraced onstage. An F-35 Lightning II flyover passed the Washington Monument during the performance, and a stealth B-2 Bomber also made a pass over the Mall.
WATCH: Lee Greenwood Performs Iconic “God Bless the U.S.A.” Live – 06/24/26 pic.twitter.com/NNT9dosKXS
— RSBN (@RSBNetwork) June 25, 2026
B-2 and F-35 playmates flyover National Mall to kickoff The Great American State Fair pic.twitter.com/auenbPKdGc
— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) June 25, 2026
In his remarks, Trump declared America to be in “a golden age,” citing what he described as the world’s strongest economy and military, while referencing a signed MOU peace deal with Iran following Operation Epic Fury and military action in Venezuela earlier in the year. He also promoted provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed July 4, 2025, including no tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security.
Trump told the crowd that the July 4 fireworks show over Washington will be the largest in world history — ten times larger than any previous D.C. display — with 850,000 shells launched from ten sites including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, eight Potomac River barges, and West Potomac Park. The Salute to America 250 celebration on July 4 begins at 1 p.m., with the live broadcast and fireworks starting at 7 p.m.
CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF AMERICA WITH AN EPIC LINE UP.
Mark your calendars, here is the upcoming schedule for @Freedom250 events. pic.twitter.com/MHhaqWOXu4
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 24, 2026
Additional Freedom 250 milestones on the calendar include the opening of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library on July 1, Rushmore 250 on July 3, and the Patriot Games on August 9 — giving country music fans and patriotic event-goers a full summer of commemorations to follow.
