The presence of a U.S. Army color guard at a national religious conference has sparked a conversation around the military’s role in such events. Despite the controversy, the Army maintains that its participation was both “patriotic” and “neutral,” not endorsing any specific religious beliefs.
The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), a prominent association of Christian communicators, hosted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the keynote speaker during the NRB Freedom 250 Celebration on February 19. This event was part of the larger 2026 International Christian Media Convention held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
According to the NRB, the event aimed to honor “the faith foundations of the American experiment,” celebrating 250 years of American independence. The opening ceremony featured a color guard from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Band, led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Martin R. Johnston, with authorization from Commanding Gen. Maj. Gen. David Gardner.
Army’s Stance on Color Guard’s Participation
The Army’s own ceremonial and musical support guidelines specify what military presence can and cannot support. Military.com questioned the Army regarding the color guard’s presence at the event, considering its policies.
Maj. Jonathon Bless, spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), clarified to Military.com that the event was a nonpartisan community gathering open to the public. “Department of War and Army regulations allow for military support to community events, including those hosted by religious organizations—so long as the military support is neutral and does not imply endorsement of a particular religion,” he stated.
The Army’s participation, including an Honor Guard and Division Band, was to demonstrate general patriotic support in honor of 250 years of American history.
Hegseth’s Address at the Event
During the event, Hegseth praised former President Donald Trump for supporting troops and attending to their spiritual welfare. He emphasized his commitment to “NEVER allow any group—no matter how large or small—to silence us from speaking the capital ‘T’ TRUTH: Christ is King. He died for our sins. We are forgiven. He will come again in glory. Amen.”
Hegseth’s statements included controversial remarks on military policies, stating, “You see, we train our troops, we no longer trans our troops,” earning significant applause. He contrasted the Trump administration’s military policies with those of the previous administration, criticizing the latter for promoting “godless and toxic ideologies.”
He further criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and emphasized a unified military underpinned by Christian values, stating, “We are one military, one fighting force, one nation under God. We are not, ‘In woke we trust; we are, ‘In God we trust.”
Controversies Surrounding Pentagon’s Involvement
The event occurred shortly after the Pentagon faced scrutiny for a Christian prayer service featuring pastor Doug Wilson, known for controversial views. Wilson, who shared the stage with Hegseth, has previously made divisive statements.
Despite the controversies, the event proceeded with other notable figures like Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, and public prayers led by participants such as John Amanchukwu and Matthew Potter of Pray.com. The evening concluded with a “One Nation Under God” spoken word and prayer by Lorenzo Sewell.
The Freedom 250 Celebration was supported by several partners, including Coral Ridge Ministries, PragerU, WallBuilders, and was sponsored by Liberty University’s Standing for Freedom Center and Flash Point Army.
