Washington, DC – The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission officially recognized the Philly POPS’ Comcast NBCUniversal I’ll Be Home For Christmas: A Salute to the Military and First Responders for inspiring the American spirit while honoring national and community service. America250 is the multi-year initiative leading to the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of American independence in 2026.
The free virtual concert, led by Music Director and Principal Conductor David Charles and featuring Hamilton star and POPS Christmas favorite Mandy Gonzalez, will be made available privately to police, firefighters, military service members, and first responders globally on December 11 at 7 p.m. EST. Registrants can access the performance from December 12-17.
The Comcast NBCUniversal I’ll Be Home For Christmas: A Salute to the Military and First Responders concert is among the first of more than 100,000 commemorative programs that the Commission will officially recognize over the next six years.
The seventh annual Comcast NBCUniversal I’ll Be Home For Christmas: A Salute to the Military and First Responders expands its reach with a planned transmission through the American Forces Network. The AFN transmission will reach approximately 500,000 servicemembers domestically and 500,000 internationally at military bases and on seafaring vessels. This Philadelphia tradition will be made available privately to military members, veteran communities, and the Police and Fire Departments.
This year’s Christmas Salute performance is dedicated to frontline healthcare workers who have helped protect the citizens of Philadelphia through the events of the past year. For more information, visit www.phillypops.org/xmassalute.
Officially known as the United States Semiquincentennial, “America250” will be the most expansive and inclusive observance in our nation’s history. During the official commemorative period beginning this year, culminating on July 4, 2026, and extending through 2027, America250 has the opportunity to engage nearly 330 million Americans and millions of more friends worldwide through compelling programs, educational outreach, and signature events. The Commission anticipates that groups and individuals across the nation will develop more than 100,000 officially recognized programs designed to educate, engage and unite their fellow Americans.
More information about the Commission’s vision and approach to programming can be found in Inspiring the American Spirit, its report submitted to the President on December 31, 2019. For more information visit www.america250.org and follow us on Facebook,Instagram,andTwitter.
America’s Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
A new contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.