The Washington Monument, reflected in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, is seen behind fencing, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul) The Washington Monument, reflected in the … more >

Washington Monument will look like a birthday candle for America’s 250th

by · The Washington Times

The Washington Monument is once again turning into “America’s tallest birthday candle” through a Freedom 250 light display.

On Wednesday, Freedom 250 projected “an 18-minute projection-mapping presentation showcasing the people, places, moments, and ideals that have shaped the American story,” the group said in a release.

The presentation is topped off by imagery that makes the Washington Monument look like a candle for America’s 250th birthday.

The illuminating presentation will be shown each night through Sunday morning.

The presentations run continuously from 9 p.m. to 12:20 a.m. the next day, Freedom 250, the executive branch-backed nonprofit in charge of celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, said.

The candle-themed illumination matches an initial display at the start of the year. The obelisk was first lit up as a candle on New Year’s Eve, with other presentations displayed in the days afterward.

Officials said that popular demand led them to bring it back to the monument.

“The overwhelming response to the Washington Monument Illumination made it clear that Americans wanted to see it return. This spectacular tribute celebrates the triumph of the American spirit and reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, innovation, and faith that have defined our nation for 250 years,” Freedom 250 CEO Keith Krach said in a release.

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Brad Matthews

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