America 250: Presidential Message on the Anniversary of the First Landing and the Raising of the Cape Henry Cross

To mark the 419th anniversary of the First Landing at Cape Henry, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation honoring the 1607 arrival of English settlers and the "birthright of faith" that he described as the bedrock of the American Republic.The proclamation connects the spiritual mission of America’s first English settlers to the nation's upcoming 250th-anniversary celebrations. Key highlights include:The Landing: On April 26, 1607, 104 men commissioned by King James I landed at Cape Henry, Virginia.The Act of Devotion: Three days later, on April 29, the settlers—led by Reverend Robert Hunt—planted a large wooden cross in the sand. The President described this as a "mighty act of reverence" intended to spread the Gospel and extend Christendom in the New World.The Foundation of Jamestown: Following the landing, the group moved inland to establish Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement. The President noted that despite "unimaginable hardship," including disease and starvation, the settlers’ resilience forged the "gritty character" of the American people.President Trump drew a direct line from the cross at Cape Henry to the Declaration of Independence and the present day:1607 to 1776: The proclamation argues that the foundation laid in the Virginia sand led directly to the birth of the nation less than 200 years later.The 250th Anniversary: As the U.S. celebrates its Semiquincentennial, the President urged Americans to follow the settlers' example of "heroic Christian witness."The proclamation concludes with a pledge to "pioneer a future" that prioritizes traditional values and religious faith. The President stated that his administration is committed to:Honoring spiritual roots: Recognizing the Christian mission at the heart of the First Landing.Advancing the common good: Building a nation that "offers rightful praise to our Creator."Restoring national identity: Upholding the traditions that began four centuries ago.The message frames the First Landing not just as a historical event, but as a sacred beginning for the United States, emphasizing the administration's "strength through faith" platform.The "Consecration" of the New FrontierContinuity of the American SpiritRestoring a "Spiritual Inheritance"