With Trump at the joystick, moon mission launches patriotism ahead of America’s 250th

Less than three months away from America's 250th birthday, NASA’s Artemis II mission, set to return to earth Friday night, may provide a national reset on patriotism. 

Artemis II's Orion Integrity is carrying a unique piece of history—a United States flag originally designated for the canceled Apollo 18 lunar landing as part of a collection of historic mementos aboard the Orion spacecraft. The crew displayed the flag during a live feed Wednesday as the mission, launched atop the Space Launch System rocket, continued its journey. Artemis II marks NASA’s first crewed flight in the Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the moon.

Apollo 18 was planned as a follow-on mission after Apollo 17 in December 1972 but was scrapped in the early 1970s along with Apollo 19 and 20 because of budget cuts and shifting national priorities toward the space shuttle program. 

The flag, which would have been the 50th American flag taken to the lunar surface, had already been selected before the cancellation.

The memento serves as a reminder of the nation’s exploration heritage as the U.S. approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, NASA said. The Apollo 18 flag symbolizes a link between the original moon landings and current efforts to establish a sustained human presence on the moon.

Mere months from what will be a summer of celebrations and events commemorating America's 250th anniversary, patriotism may need a restart.

58% of Americans said they are proud of the country today

Rasmussen Reports released a February survey that found that while a slightly smaller share overall said they were proud of their country compared to prior readings, Republicans reported higher pride than ever.

A Fox News poll conducted in June 2025 found that 58% of Americans said they are proud of the country today — up 13 percentage points from the previous year and the highest level recorded since 2011. These upticks could augur a potential rebound in national sentiment as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

However, other surveys have painted a mixed picture, with patriotism showing signs of fading in certain segments. 

A Gallup poll released around the same time reported a record-low 58% of U.S. adults saying they are “extremely” or “very” proud to be American, driven largely by sharp declines among Democrats (down to 36%) and independents, while Republicans remained highly proud at 92%. 

Americans of all political stripes will have plenty of opportunities to take part in patriotic events blending historical reflection, civic engagement, innovation, and political unity, encouraging local participation through volunteer drives, storytelling projects, and community events throughout 2026.

Major events planned

Some of the major events include the Rededicate 250 National Prayer Event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on May 17, featuring worship, music, and a large-scale moment of reflection. 

The America Innovates exhibit in San Francisco in May will showcase American technological achievements past, present, and future, and a special mid-year Times Square Ball Drop on the evening of July 3 will kick off nationwide festivities.

Other major festivities concentrated in the days leading up to July 4 will take place in Philadelphia, North Dakota, and California, alongside "America’s Block Party", a synchronized national celebration involving community gatherings, concerts, potlucks, and fireworks across all 50 states and territories.

Additional major moments feature the Salute to America 250 on the National Mall on July 4 (including a major fireworks display and programming), expanded Smithsonian initiatives like traveling Folklife Festivals and new exhibitions, Revolutionary War reenactments and site restorations (such as Dorchester Heights in Boston), and overlapping major sporting events like portions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia and New York.