Georgia Marks America's 250th Birthday at State Capitol

State leaders gather to celebrate Georgia's role in US history and look to the future.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:53pm

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Georgia state leaders, including Gov. Brian Kemp and National Guard Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson, gathered at the Georgia Capitol to commemorate America's 250th birthday and highlight the state's significant contributions to the country's history as one of the original 13 colonies. Kemp emphasized Georgia's economic growth over the past 250 years, from its agricultural roots to its current status as a hub for industries like aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, tourism, and film.

Why it matters

As one of the original 13 colonies, Georgia has played a pivotal role in shaping the history and development of the United States. This celebration at the state capitol provides an opportunity to reflect on the state's past, acknowledge its challenges, and look ahead to a promising future.

The details

During the event, Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson of the Georgia National Guard reminded the audience that 'democracy is not a spectator sport' and that all citizens have a responsibility to make their state and nation better. Gov. Brian Kemp highlighted Georgia's economic growth over the past 250 years, noting the state's transition from a primarily agricultural economy to a diverse hub for industries like aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, tourism, and film.

  • The event took place on April 1, 2026, ahead of America's 250th birthday.

The players

Brian Kemp

The Governor of Georgia, who spoke about the state's role in American history and its promising future.

Dwayne Wilson

A Major General in the Georgia National Guard, who reminded the audience of the importance of active civic engagement.

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What they’re saying

“'Democracy is not a spectator sport. All of us have a responsibility to make our state and our nation just a little bit better than we found it.'”

— Dwayne Wilson, Major General, Georgia National Guard

“'Georgia is American history, and this Georgia 250 Day, we just aren't teaching our young people about the past; we are opening their eyes to what the future could be.'”

— Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia

What’s next

The state of Georgia is expected to continue its celebrations of America's 250th birthday throughout the year, with additional events and educational initiatives planned to engage the public and inspire a sense of civic pride.

The takeaway

This event at the Georgia State Capitol underscores the state's deep roots in American history and its ongoing commitment to shaping the country's future. By reflecting on the past and looking ahead, Georgia is setting an example of how states can play a vital role in commemorating the nation's milestones.