FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2025

Department of the Secretary of State Announces Two Lights for Tomorrow Celebration kicking off a year of celebrating America’s 250th birthday

Augusta — On April 18, 2025, the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission is participating in Two Lights for Tomorrow, a nationwide initiative to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America.

In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary (the “semiquincentennial”) of its founding. This anniversary presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to share the whole history of our nation and make progress in becoming a more perfect union. The famous rides of Paul Revere, William Dawes, and others alerting their fellow patriots of the movement of British troops occurred overnight April 18-19, 1775. A signal — two lanterns in the tower of Christ Church in Boston — indicated that the British regulars were traveling via the Charles River.

“There’s never been a more important time to reflect on and celebrate the birth of our country,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Chair of the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, “Two Lights for Tomorrow uses the imagery of that shining light as a uniting call to action for our fellow citizens, no matter where they are, to commemorate and remind ourselves that our history is about working together for a promising future.”

Communities and individuals can participate by displaying two lights in your homes, at visitor centers, cultural, historical, and community sites, and in government buildings April 18, 2025, to commemorate the beginning of our continual efforts as a nation to work together for a brighter future.

“This is a really fun way to kick-off the Semiquincentennial celebrations for 2026, and we hope communities across Maine will join neighbors across the country in reflecting on our nation’s founding,” said Sarah Hansen, Executive Director, Maine Semiquincentennial Commission.

On Friday, April 18th there are two opportunities to join celebrations in Augusta:

• At 11:30 a.m. join us in the Hall of Flags in the state capitol for a press conference with Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and enjoy excerpts of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, Paul Revere’s Ride, read by Portland Youth Poet Laureate Yashaswini Derisala.

• At 7:30 p.m. join us in Capitol Park for the lighting!

We encourage participation at as many locations as possible — historical societies, community centers, municipal and county administrative buildings, and private residences.

For communities planning an event or for questions please email sos.office@maine.gov ATTN America 250 Kickoff. 

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