Press Fact Sheet
Sojourn 250 Pittsburgh Regional Sojourn
A National Flag Foundation initiative · July 1–4, 2026
What
A single American Flag is completing a year-long journey to honor service, sacrifice, and shared national ideals. After 26 military cemeteries across 10 countries and all 50 states and territories, the Pittsburgh region serves as the final full chapter before the American Legion Riders transport the Flag to Washington, D.C. for America’s 250th.
When
July 1–4, 2026: thirteen community gatherings across the Pittsburgh region.
Where
Greater Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania, from the 911th Airlift Wing in Coraopolis to the American Legion convoy departure on Grant Street.
The larger picture
- America’s 250th. The nation marks 250 years of independence on July 4, 2026.
- Light to Unite (NFF). A call to light buildings red, white, and blue and fly the American Flag on the Fourth of July.
- Sojourn250 (NFF). The year-long journey of a single American Flag across 10 countries and all 50 states.
- The Pittsburgh Regional Sojourn. The final full chapter, July 1–4, 2026.
Why Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a place where revolutions begin. David McCullough called it “the indispensable American city.” Our story is America’s story.
Where revolutions begin
The opening shots of the French & Indian War in today’s Laurel Highlands ignited the chain of events that led to the American Revolution.
Forging a nation
The Second Industrial Revolution forged the iron and steel that built the country and drew workers from across Europe and the Deep South.
The innovation revolution
From the Bessemer converter to robotics, organ transplantation, and today’s leadership in AI, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences.
The route: thirteen stops
Wednesday, July 1
| 1:00 – 2:00 PM | 911th Airlift WingCoraopolis | Stewardship & Honor |
| 3:00 – 4:00 PM | United Steelworkers HeadquartersDowntown Pittsburgh | The People Who Make America |
Thursday, July 2
| 9:00 – 10:30 AM | Fort LigonierWestmoreland County | America Begins Here |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Fort Pitt · Point State ParkDowntown Pittsburgh | Confluence, Conflict, Renewal |
| 1:30 – 3:00 PM | North Shore Memorial WalkNorth Shore | Memory in Motion |
| 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Soldiers & Sailors Hall · PSO Americana ConcertOakland | In Every Generation |
| 8:00 – 9:00 PM | Mount Washington Sunset Honor GuardMount Washington | Reflection & Resolve |
Friday, July 3
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | National Cemetery of the AllegheniesWashington County | In Sacred Trust |
| 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Flag Plaza · with Scouting AmericaUptown Pittsburgh | Flags United |
| 12:00 – 1:30 PM | Freedom CornerHill District | Still We Strive |
| 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Bakery Square · The Innovation RevolutionEast Liberty | Reinventing the Promise |
| 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Carrie Blast FurnacesRankin / Swissvale | Forged in Fire |
Saturday, July 4
| 5:45 – 6:30 AM | Grant Street · American Legion ConvoyDowntown → Washington, D.C. | Carrying the Spirit Forward |
Media contact
Alicia MunzPhelps, National Flag Foundation
amunzphelps@nationalflagfoundation.org
nationalflagfoundation.org
Image credit line: Courtesy of the National Flag Foundation. Times and access are being finalized; confirm before publication.