Gov. Tate Reeves and First Lady Elee Reeves make remarks before the American Flag Sojourn is raised at Governor’s Mansion on Monday, December 1, 2025, as part of the 250th anniversary celebration of America. Credit: Visit Mississippi
A powerful symbol of the nation’s past, present, and future arrived in Mississippi this past week as the traveling U.S. flag from America Waves Flag Sojourn 250 made its ceremonial stop in Jackson, Mississippi. Community members and state leaders gathered to witness the historic flag make its stop as part of a national tribute campaign honoring the American flag and the enduring ideals it represents.
The event was hosted with the National Sheriffs Association on behalf of America250, the official nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nationwide commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. As the country prepares for this milestone, America 250 is working to inspire reflection, participation, and pride in the American story.
A pillar of this celebration is Flag Sojourn 250, a single U.S. flag traveling through every state, territory, and overseas U.S. military cemetery. Before arriving in Mississippi, the flag had already been raised at all 26 U.S. military cemeteries around the world, honoring fallen service members who rest on foreign soil. It also made a special stop in Guam and began its official stateside journey with a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day.
Speaking at the Mississippi ceremony were both Governor Tate Reeves and First Lady Elee Reeves, who also serves as Co-Chair of the America250 Mississippi Commission. The Governor and First Lady highlighted the state’s opportunity to help lead the nation into its semiquincentennial year. The flag was then proudly raised by three members of the Mississippi Air National Guard’s 172nd Airlift Wing.
The flag’s visit to Jackson offered a poignant and unifying moment for residents, reinforcing the values and history that have shaped the United States for nearly 250 years. As the nation approaches the 2026 anniversary, the America Waves tribute and the journey of Flag Sojourn 250 aim to spark renewed patriotism and bring Americans together under the timeless symbol of the Stars and Stripes.