KICKOFF

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America 250 | UTAH

July 1st, 2025 Kick Off

In his July 1 speech, Gov. Spencer Cox urged Utah parents to teach their children, “that freedom is built here, that responsibility is built here.”

Utah National Guard 23rd Army Band plays a medley of songs: "Bullets and Bayonets, "God Bless the USA" and “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson: “May youth from every corner of our state see themselves in our country’s future and our state’s unique contributions to the world. We invite all Utahns to find a way to connect with the promise of our country.”

Donna Law, executive director of the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, with Rep. Celeste Maloy, at the July 1 kickoff of America250 Utah.

Nicole Handy, director of America250 Utah, with Gov. Spencer Cox, greeting young performers in the One Voice Children’s Choir. 

Co-chairs of the America250 Utah Commission – Ron Fox, historian; Mindy Benson, president of Southern Utah University, and Christine Durham, former justice of the Utah Supreme Court — view the program. Others elected officials seated on the platform include: Rep. Celeste Maloy, and Speaker of the Utah House Mike Schultz, with his 11-year-old daughter, Ella, who led the program’s Pledge of Allegience.

Singers in the One Voice Children’s Choir.

Entertainer Marie Osmond, who served as presenter for the America250 Utah kickoff program.

Virginia Hills, communications specialist for the Utah Historical Society, celebrates the America250 Utah with Doughlas McGregor, of the Utah Sons of the American Revolution and other patriots.

Gov. Cox congratulates Liam Gustavson, from Farmington (left), and Audrey Holyoak, from Millcreek, second-place winners representing Utah in the national America’s Fieldtrip essay contest.

America 250 | UTAH
Get Involved

    On July 1, Gov. Spencer J. Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson invited every Utahn to join a year of celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country. With a patriotic program led by presenter Marie Osmond, the One Voice Children's Choir helped celebrate what brings us together. 

    Governor Spencer Cox's Remarks

    Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson's Remarks

    Stars

    "I think in light of a lot of the chaos and the contention that’s happening in public, this is a chance for Utahns to do what Utahns do best, which is come together and celebrate who we are and what we represent on the world stage."

    Representative Celeste Maloy

    Get Involved