KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — As America approaches its historic 250th anniversary, one of the nation’s most iconic and sacred landmarks has announced that it will host a powerful day of remembrance, reflection, and thanksgiving honoring the faith, sacrifice, and perseverance that forged the United States.
On Saturday, June 27, Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge: “The Soul of Valley Forge” will present A Day of Thanksgiving: Honoring the Spirit That Shaped a Nation, a special America 250 commemorative event bringing together history, faith, and patriotism at the very place where General George Washington’s Continental Army endured one of the darkest and most defining chapters of the American Revolution.
Set amid the landscape of the revered Valley Forge, the event will honor the generations of Americans who have sacrificed in defense of liberty while exploring the profound influence of faith on the founding of the nation.
A Historic Gathering at a Sacred American Landmark
The afternoon will begin at 2 PM with a free outdoor screening of the acclaimed Sight & Sound film A Great Awakening, presented on a massive 17-foot by 10-foot HD Jumbotron across from the Chapel’s Cabin Shop Café.
Filmed, in part, on the Washington Memorial Chapel campus, the cinematic production tells the story of renowned evangelist The Rev. George Whitefield, whose preaching ignited the First Great Awakening and inspired tens of thousands of colonists. The film also explores Whitefield’s remarkable friendship with Benjamin Franklin and the role faith and morality played in shaping the principles that ultimately informed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the outdoor viewing experience in one of America’s most historic settings.
A Service of Thanksgiving for America
At 5 PM, the Chapel will host a special Service of Thanksgiving and Evensong based upon the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, the same prayer book that helped shape the spiritual life of George Washington and countless Americans during the nation’s founding era.
Delivering the keynote address will be Brigadier General Ed Brandt (Ret.), former Deputy Chief of Chaplains for the Army National Guard, former Chief Chaplain of the National Guard Bureau, and current Senior Pastor of United Church of Marco Island, FL.
Brandt’s address will focus on divine providence, national gratitude, and the enduring values that sustained America’s founders through revolution, sacrifice, and nation-building. Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez will also participate in the service.
Due to anticipated attendance, the service will be livestreamed and broadcast on outdoor screens, allowing visitors to participate whether seated inside the historic chapel or gathered on the surrounding grounds.
Honoring the Sacrifice of Valley Forge
The event will pay special tribute to the more than 2,000 soldiers who suffered and died during the brutal winter encampment of 1777–1778 at Valley Forge.
Facing severe shortages of food, clothing, and shelter, Washington’s troops endured extraordinary hardship while preserving the cause of American independence. Their sacrifice transformed Valley Forge into one of the most revered symbols of perseverance, courage, and commitment to liberty in American history.
“The story of Valley Forge is not merely a military story,” said Reverend Tommy A. Thompson, VII Rector of Washington Memorial Chapel. “It is a story of faith, endurance, gratitude, and hope. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, it is fitting that we gather in thanksgiving at this sacred place to remember the blessings and responsibilities of freedom.”
A National Shrine Built by the American People
Standing since 1903, Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge: “The Soul of Valley Forge” occupies a unique place in American history. Constructed entirely through private support and never funded by the federal government, the Chapel was built as a living memorial to George Washington, the Continental Army, and the founding ideals of the nation.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Chapel features the coats of arms of all fifty states carved into its architecture and serves as a national symbol of faith, patriotism, and civic responsibility.
Its mission reflects the conviction expressed by George Washington in a June 11, 1783 letter:
“Glorious indeed has been our contest; but in the midst of our joys, I hope we shall not forget that to Divine Providence is to be ascribed the Glory and the Praise.”
Reception in Newly Renovated Patriot’s Hall
Following the service, guests will gather in the newly renovated Patriot’s Hall for a reception celebrating the preservation of Washington Memorial Chapel and the role historic institutions continue to play in connecting Americans with their heritage.
The reception will provide an opportunity for fellowship, conversation, and reflection as the nation prepares to commemorate the semiquincentennial of the United States.
An Invitation to America
More than a commemorative event, “A Day of Thanksgiving: Honoring the Spirit That Shaped a Nation” serves as a national invitation to pause, reflect, and give thanks.
At a time when Americans are preparing to celebrate 250 years of independence, the gathering offers an opportunity to reconnect with the ideals that shaped the nation, honor those who sacrificed to preserve freedom, and reflect on the role faith, courage, and providence have played throughout the American story.
Event Information
- Saturday, June 27, 2026
- 2:00 PM — Free Outdoor Screening of A Great Awakening
- 5:00 PM — Service of Thanksgiving & Evensong
- Following Service — Reception in Patriot’s Hall
- Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge: “The Soul of Valley Forge” is located at 2000 Valley Forge Park Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
- Admission is free and open to the public.
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