U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today highlighted the Department’s new “Freedom Moves You” campaign – a free storytelling program that brings iconic American images and thought-provoking reminders of what makes America special to airports, highways, train stations, bus stops, and transit networks near you.
The civics campaign, which features images donated by the Heritage Foundation, is comprised of a series of large-scale visual installations transforming everyday travel spaces into opportunities for Americans to connect with the history, principles, and enduring promise of freedom that defines our nation. The campaign will be displayed at prominent locations across the country like Washington Union Station, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Nationals Park.
“Now more than ever, our nation needs to unite around the shared principles our founding fathers enshrined in 1776. America’s 250th birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity bring people together, cherish our national heritage, and inspire the next generation of patriots,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy. “From artwork that inspires a national conversation about civics to helping families hit the road this spring, this Department is committed to keeping the flame of liberty and independence alive for another 250 years.”
“Freedom is the driving force behind the American story,” said Keith Krach, CEO of Freedom 250. “During the nation’s 250th year, ‘Civics on the Go’ brings that story directly to the places where Americans travel and connect with one another. It reminds us that the ideals of freedom belong to every citizen and every community.”
“This campaign is Freedom in Motion! As Americans travel, it will remind us of our extraordinary shared history and renew a sense of tremendous pride in our exceptional country during our big 250th birthday year, ” said Ambassador Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol of the United States.
Partners of the “Freedom Moves You” initiative include:
- Union Station Redevelopment Corp
- Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA)
- Penske Corporation – Freedom250 Grand Prix
- Fox Sports
- Amtrak
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
- Brightline
- Flix North America (Greyhound)
- JCDecaux
- Clear Channel
- Washington Nationals Baseball
- Beep
- First Ladies Luncheon
- Freedom 250
- Heritage Foundation
- Los Angeles Metro
- Airports Council International (ACI)
- New York Port Authority
In addition to “Freedom Moves You,” Secretary Duffy and USDOT are launching a series of initiatives in partnership with Freedom250 to further contribute to this historic year.
Key initiatives:
- Paint the Plane – In partnership with USDOT and Freedom250, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines will unveil special Freedom250 liveries to mark this special year.
- Great American Road Trip Inc. – This multi-platform storytelling initiative will inspire Americans to discover the people and places that make our nation special. Learn more here.
- Wayfinding – From small town diners to national parks and big city landmarks, our country is made up of countless quintessential American attractions. In partnership with Great American Road Trip Inc., a curated list of over 250 locations have been selected as “Official Stops.” Winners of this fun recognition will receive a decal and QR code notifying the public about their special contribution to Americana.
- Freedom250 Commemorative Passports – In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), USDOT and Freedom250 have minted commemorative passports that will enable Americans to catalogue “official stops” they visited throughout the year. These one of a kind passports will be gifted to congressional offices and distributed to a few hundred lucky constituents.
- Freedom Train – In partnership with Amtrak, USDOT and Freedom250 will host a special train ride from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia for students grades 4-8 who are passionate about civics. The field trip, which will be free, will take these young patriots on an unforgettable journey to Independence Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, and the Liberty Bell.
Watch Secretary Duffy’s full press conference at Washington’s Union Station HERE.
Additional Information
These initiatives build on an already impressive lineup of events USDOT is supporting this year in celebration of Freedom250, including the Freedom250 Grand Prix, the Explore250 road trip app, and Sail 4th.