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In Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump’s Department of the Interior unveiled a new patriotic exhibit at Freedom Plaza, featuring Revolutionary War figures. This installation marks a significant addition to an area historically associated with protests and encampments.
“This exhibition featuring Caesar Rodney and the 12 Soldiers of the Revolutionary War is a powerful tribute to the patriots whose service and sacrifice helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today,” Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated.
“THIS EXHIBITION IS ONE OF THE MANY WAYS PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS ENSURING THAT THE STORIES OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO BUILT THIS NATION ARE PRESERVED,” SAID BURGUM.
The installation includes a statue of founding father Caesar Rodney, renowned for his crucial ride to Philadelphia in July 1776, along with 12 bronze Revolutionary War soldiers, honoring the sacrifices made in the founding of the nation. Freedom Plaza, known for political protests, was notably dubbed “tent city” during economic protests in 2011 and was a focal point during the 2020 riots following George Floyd’s death.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, Freedom Plaza will offer visitors a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of Americans who fought to secure our independence nearly 250 years ago,” DOI official Matthew Middleton commented.
THE 12 SOLDIERS INCLUDE SIMON KNOWLES, CAESAR GLOVER, AND JOSEPH WARREN, AMONG OTHERS.
The display also features Simon Knowles, Caesar Glover, Joseph Warren, Jude Hall, Peter Muhlenberg, James Armistead Lafayette, Samuel Whittemore, Jack Sisson, James Caldwell, Peter Salem, Naphtali Daggett, and Salem Poor. Rodney’s statue, previously removed from Wilmington amid monument debates, has found a new home at Freedom Plaza to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.
Freedom Plaza has a deep history as a protest site in the capital. The Occupy D.C. movement established itself there in October 2011, leading to confrontations with the National Park Service. More recently, it became a gathering point during the 2020 protests over George Floyd’s death. The unrest centered around Lafayette Square and the later dismantled “Black Lives Matter Plaza.”
Established in 1980 as Western Plaza and renamed in 1988 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., Freedom Plaza has often served as a site for homeless encampments, until recent federal restrictions under President Trump. The plaza will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation, according to Fox News Digital.
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