America isn’t what it used to be. Traditional values seem to fade more each year. Our sacred spaces stand emptier than ever.

The numbers tell a sobering reality. Religious participation has plummeted since the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of churches have closed permanently. Many wondered if America’s spiritual foundation would recover.

But sometimes, hope arrives precisely when we need it most. Sometimes, it takes one bold action to remind us of who we are – and who we’ve always been.

In a move resonating through the cultural landscape, President Donald Trump has announced that the late Rev. Billy Graham will be honored with a statue in the proposed National Garden of American Heroes.

The revelation came during Thursday’s bipartisan National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., where Trump shared personal memories of attending Graham’s massive crusades alongside his father.

From ‘Breitbart’:

“The president revealed the addition on Thursday morning while he addressed the bipartisan National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. He shared the world-famous evangelist preacher was a man ‘everybody loved’ who Trump himself watched as a young boy alongside his father when they attended Billy Graham crusades with ’60 to 70,000 other people.'”

A Garden of American Greatness

The National Garden of American Heroes represents more than stone and bronze. Revived through an executive order signed January 29, 2025, the garden will showcase exactly 250 statues of American historical figures, perfectly timed for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

From Babe Ruth to Harriet Tubman, from Edgar Allen Poe to George Washington, each statue tells a chapter of America’s remarkable story.

Graham’s inclusion speaks volumes. The renowned evangelist, who passed away in 2018, touched millions with his message of Christian forgiveness and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

His accessible preaching style transformed him into a national figure during America’s most pivotal decades.

Restoring Faith’s Public Role

At the Prayer Breakfast, Trump addressed religious decline head-on. “I just think our country has been so badly hurt. We’re very hurt by what COVID did to religion, it really hurt it badly,” he noted. “People couldn’t go to church for a long period of time.”

This announcement arrives at a crucial moment. As Trump stated, “Faith in God has always been the ultimate source of the strength that beats in the hearts of our nation. We have to bring religion back.”

A Legacy Set in Stone

The project transcends mere historical preservation. With 250 statues planned to align with America’s semiquincentennial celebration, the garden stands as one of the most ambitious public works projects in recent memory.

“The stories of legends like Washington, Winthrop and Williams remind us that without faith in God, there would be no American story,” Trump declared. “Every citizen should be proud of this exceptional heritage.”

For millions of Americans who remember gathering in stadiums to hear Billy Graham preach, this recognition arrives right on time.

In an era when historical figures face unprecedented scrutiny, the garden offers a chance to celebrate what’s best about America’s past – and to ensure those values continue shaping our future.

While the garden’s location remains under consideration, its impact resonates already. As America approaches its 250th birthday, this tribute to Rev. Billy Graham and other American heroes reminds us that our greatest strength has always been our faith – in God, in each other, and in the enduring promise of American greatness.

Key Takeaways

• President Trump’s National Garden of American Heroes will honor Rev. Billy Graham alongside 249 other American legends.
• The ambitious project aligns perfectly with America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
• Trump emphasized the urgent need to restore religion’s role in American public life.
• The garden represents a decisive move to preserve America’s Christian heritage for future generations.

Sources: Breitbart, NY1, The Wrap