MADISON—The Wisconsin America250 Commission today announced its official sponsorship of Milwaukee’s iconic Light the Hoan initiative as part of the historic “Light to Unite” national campaign. Organized by the National Flag Foundation and officially endorsed by the federal America250 Commission, “Light to Unite” is a synchronized, nationwide event celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial (250th birthday).

On the evening of July 4, 2026, landmarks across all 50 states will illuminate in red, white, and blue. Through this sponsorship, Wisconsin America250 is ensuring that the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge serves as the shining beacon of the Badger State’s contribution to this monumental, unifying moment.

Wisconsin America250 is encouraging all citizens, private organizations, and local governments to participate. Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 is leading the charge in Milwaukee, with more than 15 Downtown properties already committed to lighting up their facades and windows in a unified show of patriotic celebration.

“For 250 years, the American experiment has been sustained by the service, sacrifice, and shared values of everyday citizens, including generation after generation of Wisconsin veterans,” said Chris Kolakowski, Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and Chair of the Wisconsin America250 Commission. “Lighting the Hoan Bridge alongside hundreds of landmarks nationwide is more than just a beautiful tribute. It is a brilliant reminder that our diverse communities are bound together under one flag and a shared future. We encourage every municipality and household across Wisconsin to join us in lighting up the night.”

The statewide call-to-action brings together a powerful alliance of historic preservation, grassroots community art, and urban revitalization to activate Wisconsin’s premier civic spaces

“Light the Hoan has always been about more than illuminating a bridge—it’s about creating moments that bring people together,” said Erika Smith, Executive Director of Light the Hoan. “We’re honored to partner with Wisconsin America250 as the Hoan joins landmarks across the country in the Light to Unite campaign. As the bridge shines in red, white, and blue on July 4, we hope it inspires people to gather with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate 250 years of our nation’s history while creating new memories together here in Wisconsin. That’s the power of public art—it doesn’t just light our skyline, it creates moments that connect our communities.

“Downtown Milwaukee properties play a key role in recognizing significant moments through unified lighting, with America250 as a milestone celebration this year,” said Matt Dorner, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “As Downtown glows in red, white, and blue, this momentous lighting initiative will highlight shared pride and the bright future of Downtown Milwaukee.”

How to Participate in “Light to Unite” on July 4, 2026

  • Governments & Municipalities: Program city halls, bridges, public squares, and water towers to illuminate in red, white, and blue.
  • Businesses & Organizations: Light up corporate facades, office buildings, and retail winders.
  • Individual Citizens: Change your porch lights to red, white, or blue bulbs, or safely display and illuminate the American flag at your home.
  • Social Media: Share your illuminated displays and community gatherings on social media by tagging #LightToUnite and #A250WI to be featured in the national anniversary archive.

By bringing local community spirit with national history, Wisconsin’s participation in “Light to Unite” will show the country that the Badger State is united in moving forward into the next 250 years.

About Wisconsin America250

The Wisconsin America250 Commission is an independent state body dedicated to sharing the unique story of the Badger State during the United States’ Semiquincentennial and was established by the 2021 Wisconsin Act 95.

While A250WI collaborates with the national America250 initiative and other partners to promote broad participation, its primary mission is to highlight the specific impact of Wisconsin’s people and history on our nation’s past, present and future. Through local
programming and statewide celebration, the Commission invites all residents to explore their place in the American story as we strive together for a “more perfect union.” Learn more about A250WI’s programs at wisconsinhistory.org.

About Light the Hoan

Light the Hoan is an official non-profit 501c3 organization and was a community-driven initiative dedicated to illuminating Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge. Every bulb represents a story, a tribute, or a celebration, bringing together individuals, businesses, and organizations to create a shared vision of light and connection. Bridge lights have been shining nightly since October 2020.

About Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21

Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21, is an organization established in 1998 to support the interests of the downtown Milwaukee business community. Created through private sector leadership, Milwaukee Downtown is a management district organization that oversees 150 square blocks representing approximately 500 property owners in the center of downtown Milwaukee. The organization funds specific initiatives aimed at creating a clean, safe, welcoming, and economically vibrant downtown. More info available at www.milwaukeedowntown.com.