Thousands flocked to the National Mall for the Freedom 250 event as President Trump kicks off his series of celebrations for the country’s 250^th birthday on July 4 this year. The event was named “Rededicate 250,” with the purpose to “solemnly rededicate our country as One Nation Under God.” Many attendees saw the event as an opportunity for the country to reconnect with its religious roots. Attendee Debra DeGuiseppi, who traveled all the way from Minnesota for the event, spoke of a “spiritual attack” against the country. “I believe that we’ve definitely seen a turn away, and it’s not been for the good of our country,” she said. “There’s spiritual forces that are seeking to destroy our nation, and they’re very bold right now.”

Speakers included a pre-recorded speech from the President, as well as remarks from Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, as well as prominent Christian speakers, including Franklin Graham. Graham spoke against the moral decay of America. “America has become morally rotten, completely sick with sin. Transgenderism, same-sex marriage, opening women’s locker rooms to men are just the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “Things that never would have been talked about publicly just 30 years ago, sinful behavior that should make us blush, is now celebrated and flaunted on Main Street America.” Vice President Vance focused on the Christian heritage of America. “The duty Washington describes to honor, obey, and give thanks to our creator was woven into America’s character long before the founding,” he said. “… We have always been and still are a nation of prayer. And thank God for that. In times of suffering and in times of triumph, millions of Americans continue to turn to prayer and their faith in God.” He also pointed hopefully at reports of a resurgence of faith amongst young Americans. “That should give all of us hope for our future together as Americans. It certainly gives me hope, as your vice president, because prayer is not merely something we do in times of crisis.”

The Christian focus did earn some criticism as critics accused some of the speeches of Christian Nationalism. Others worried that the event lost America’s dedication to religious diversity. “This is an opportunity for America to celebrate the diversity that is our religious heritage,” Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, CEO of the Interfaith Alliance told NBC News. “Unfortunately, what we’re seeing with Rededicate is actually an effort to betray that heritage that we have and instead say there is one tradition that really matters, and that is the one that they’re going to be celebrating.”