Freedom Speak
Sing along Tuesday, June 30

Two and a half centuries of self-government, of speech and assembly, of the quiet daily work of being free together. We gather to remember the words that made us, the voices that kept us, and the freedoms that still belong to us all.

I. Date
June 30, 2026
Pre-event activities earlier
II. Time
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Outdoor evening program
III. Place
The Fingernail
Howard Amon Park, Richland WA
IV. Admission
Free & open
Alcohol-free · Family-friendly
— II. The evening

What to expect.

i.

Historical reflections

A series of speeches on life in 1776, the founding of the Constitution, the Great Debate, and the long impact of freedom on the American experiment.

ii.

Patriotic songs

Sing along to The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and My Country 'Tis of Thee. Lyrics available on site via QR code.

iii.

Presentation of the colors

A formal ceremony joined by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, honoring the flag and the country it represents.

iv.

Recognition of veterans

A dedicated moment within the program to thank the service members past and present who have safeguarded our freedoms.

— III. Program

The evening, hour by hour.

View full schedule →
  1. 5:50 Musical pre-show including Proud to be an American
  2. 6:00 Welcome, overview & introductions Sam Cooley, master of ceremonies
  3. 6:10 Presentation of the colors Mid-Columbia SAR Color Guard
  4. 6:30 Common Sense: a book that stirred a nation Robi Sen
  5. 7:20 Diverse nation Arthur Broady
  6. 7:45 Freedom to be me, 250 years later Dr. Catherine Wiberg
  7. 7:55 Let freedom live Brian Kreitzer

A program of speeches, songs, prayers, and ceremony — nineteen segments in all.

— IV. Voices

Speakers for the evening.

Meet all speakers →
Sam Cooley
Master of ceremonies
Andrew Kirk
Star-Spangled Banner
Robi Sen
Common Sense
Arthur Broady
Diverse Nation
Dr. Catherine Wiberg
Freedom to Be Me
Brian Kreitzer
Let Freedom Live
— V. The place

The Fingernail.

Howard Amon Park's iconic parabolic bandshell has gathered audiences along the Columbia River for generations. Its sweeping concrete curve carries voices out across the lawn — built into the river bluff like an open palm cupped toward the sky.

It is, by accident or by design, exactly the right place to celebrate two and a half centuries of words spoken into the open air.

Directions & parking →
— VI. Join in

Help make it happen.

The speakers are confirmed. What we need now are hands — for setup, for the information table, for photography, and for spreading the word. Community partners are welcome too.

Volunteer

Help with setup, staff the Toastmasters info table, take photos, or assist with cleanup.

Sign up →

Sponsor

Add your civic group, business, or congregation to our community partners list.

Become a partner →

Spread the word

Share the event with your circle. Press kit and social graphics available on request.

See ways to help →

In partnership with

Tri-Cities Toastmasters Collaborative Sons of the American Revolution Daughters of the American Revolution City of Richland Local veterans groups Local church groups