The Miracles That Made Us 2026

Franklin County Patriots celebrated with area friends and neighbors May 16 during Youngsville's Family Fun Days. A dozen talented Franklin County speakers reflected on God's Providence throughout 250 years, and each, representing a founding father and/or devoted and heroic citizen, quoted words of thanks for the ongoing favor and blessings our country has received. More than 800 patriotic flags were given to guests, along with hundreds of copies of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the role of the Ten Commandments in our founding, Prayers and Proclamations throughout American History (from the White House), patriotic pins, pens, bracelets, Ten Commandments book marks (made especially for children), patriotic stickers, children's books and Bibles. 

The event was designed to prepare us for our nation's May 17th rededication to God in Washington, D.C.

Thank you to the Pavement Education's Love America Project and Anchor Baptist Church for the wonderful gifts and hands-on collaboration that made the event a true American celebration and amplified our shared values.

Thank you to Cory Thornton and his beautiful children for their help, ensuring all passing children are now equipped to enjoy our nation's 250th birthday. 

Thank you to the Town of Youngsville for hosting Family Fun Day, which we know both the younger and more mature patriots certainly enjoyed.

CAST of CHARACTERS

1. Town Crier (Randall Shirley)
2. George Washington (Jerry Holmes)
3. John Witherspoon (Harry Upchurch)
4. John Adams (Ed Strickland)
5. Thomas Jefferson (Scott Graham)
6. John Jay (Jim Barrett)
7. Paul Revere (Wyatt McGee)
8. Sybil (Sibbell) Ludington (Kennedy Kuusinen)
9. Betsy Ross (Rose Holmes)
10. Mercy Otis Warren (Shira Bass)
11. Phillis Wheatley (Jennifer Paylor)
12. Benjamin Franklin (Tyler Reynolds)

Thank you to all who made this event happen.

Thank you for the many grateful hearts and respect for our founders' unwavering faith that led to the American promise - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

May God continue to bless you, Franklin County, North Carolina, and the United States of America.

As our Town Crier said in closing our ceremony: 

"May God bless the United States of America, and may we, her citizens, be grateful."

Happy 250th!