Governor Kay Ivey kicked off Alabama’s America 250 celebration Thursday morning on the Capitol steps, officially unveiling a massive 250th anniversary edition of the American flag that will hang between the Capitol’s columns through the summer as the nation builds toward its birthday on July 4.
Hundreds gathered for the event — office workers and government employees, families with young children, people dressed in red, white and blue, and elected officials from across the state. The 151st Army Band opened the program, and Pell City High School student Amelia Alverson, who went viral for her rendition of the national anthem, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open the ceremony.
Jimmy Rane, the longtime Alabama business leader and close friend of the governor, introduced Ivey with characteristic warmth. “We are all very, very fortunate that we have lived really in Camelot for the last nine years,” Rane said, describing Ivey as “a patriot, a true and humble servant that cared only about doing the very best she could for the people of Alabama.”
Ivey took the stage with a message that was equal parts gratitude and challenge.
“There’s no nation who does it like America, and no one loves their country more than Alabamians do,” Ivey said. “I’m thrilled how patriotism is on full display this morning in our state capitol.”
She quoted former U.S. Secretary of State and fellow Alabama native Condoleezza Rice, who has said that one of the greatest parts of America is that the country is “constantly striving to be a more perfect union.”
“That is how our founding fathers intended it, some 250 years ago,” Ivey said. “There’s no better time to be an American than today, and there’s no better time to be an Alabamian than right now.”
She called on Alabamians to carry that spirit forward.
“That starts with teaching our kids to love this country every chance we get, y’all,” Ivey said. “We are blessed to live in the greatest state in the greatest nation on earth. I sure am proud my home is in Alabama.”
Ivey introduced her “dear friend, Mr. Randy Owen” and stepped back. Owen took the stage with a grin. “No pressure,” he said, and then started playing.
Owen opened with “My Home’s in Alabama,” then moved into “Dixieland Delight” before shifting to the gospel classic “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” He picked “Dixieland Delight” back up as the crowd grew louder, stretching through extra verses as four F-35s soared over the Capitol to close the program.
The America 250 flag will hang on the Capitol through the summer. America’s official 250th birthday is July 4, 2026.
Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
