250 Years Ago Today: Congress Formally Adopted the Name “United States of America”
250 years ago today — September 9, 1776 — the Continental Congress formally adopted “United States of America” in place of “United Colonies” in its proceedings.
This Saturday, September 12, Rhode Island will commemorate that often-overlooked milestone with Becoming the United States – A Patriotic Concert, a free community celebration presented by the Gaspee Days Committee at Pawtuxet Park in Warwick.
The afternoon will bring together West Bay Chorale, the Pawtuxet Rangers, Rhode Island Wind Ensemble and Benjamin Nacar for music, living history and community participation.
Among the highlights:
• Benjamin Nacar will lead a 15-minute all-American community sing-along from the keyboard.
• Rhode Island Wind Ensemble will perform Nacar’s original Rhode Island Independence March.
• West Bay Chorale will perform selections exploring themes of home, homeland and American musical traditions.
• The Pawtuxet Rangers will bring Rhode Island’s Revolutionary-era history to life.
The celebration takes place Saturday, September 12, from 3–6 PM at Pawtuxet Park and is free and open to the public.
Media opportunities are available this week and at Saturday’s event, including interviews with Gaspee Days leadership and participating musicians, as well as photography, performer materials and historical background.
The event will also be previewed Friday on The Rhode Show, with Gaspee Days Committee President Natalie Abernathy and West Bay Chorale Artistic Director Eric Van Dervort.