June 17–22 cross-country rally celebrates 250 years of American democracy—and the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps—on a coast-to-coast sprint led by combat-disabled founder Robert Hess
WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 20, 2025 — What better way to toast two-and-a-half centuries of freedom than by driving 2,470.6 miles across it: Rally4Vets will do exactly that this summer, dedicating its 2025 Washington, DC-to-Los Angeles road rally to America 250 and the upcoming 250th birthdays of the United States Army (June 14 1775), Navy (October 13 1775), and Marine Corps (November 10 1775).
Engines rev outside the National Museum of the United States Army on June 17, pause for reflection at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, and finally switch off in Los Angeles on June 22. Along the way, the Rally4Vets team will roll through heartland highways, hopping from VFW halls to American Legion posts for coffee, car talk, and community celebrations.
The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia stands as the nation’s official tribute to the Allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
Perched on a hilltop with sweeping Blue Ridge views, the 50-acre site was placed in Bedford, Virginia, the town that suffered the highest per-capita loss of life on D-Day, so that the “Bedford Boys” would forever personify the sacrifice of all who fought. The soaring 44-foot “Overlord” arch crowns the memorial’s central plaza, its height matching the date 6-6-44.
Since its dedication by President George W. Bush in 2001, the memorial has welcomed more than a million guests, offering guided tours, educational programs, and solemn ceremonies that ensure the heroism of D-Day lives on for future generations.
The National D-Day Memorial remains vital today because it vividly connects new generations to the courage and sacrifice that safeguarded democracy, reminding us that freedom must be defended—and remembered—every day.
At the wheel of the Rally4Vets Corvette is Rally4Vets founder Robert W. Hess, a combat-disabled Vietnam veteran whose post-service résumé includes everything from PTSD advocacy to leading high-tech companies.
“We’re stringing 250 birthday candles from Fort Belvoir to the Pacific,” Hess laughed. “Every mile is a salute to democracy and to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who’ve defended it since 1775.”
As part of the Rally4Vets America 250 celebration, the team will feature a rolling calendar of America 250 events, spotlighting daily celebrations across the country—including milestone tributes to the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Along the route, the rally will make meaningful pitstops at VFW and American Legion posts, where veterans, supporters, and curious onlookers can sign the official rally banner. Every signature is an entry into a drawing for limited-edition Rally4Vets 250th Birthday commemorative T-shirts.
Those unable to join in person can track the journey in real time via a live GPS map and enjoy daily video snippets, offering a front-row seat for armchair patriots and road trip fans alike. The route link will go live at [https://bit.ly/Rally4VetsAmerica250Tour] on June 17, 2025.
Brands with heart and horsepower are invited to join as official partners, gaining coast-to-coast visibility while supporting a mission that drives purpose.
The rally kicks off June 17 at the National Museum of the United States Army in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, and includes stops at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, and VFW and American Legion posts along the way, finishing at the USS Iowa Battleship, in San Pedro, California.
Supporters across the country are invited to join the Rally4Vets team on the road—whether by driving a section of the route or meeting up at one of the scheduled stops. Daily route updates will be shared on Rally4Vets’ Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts to help participants plan their meetups. Brands looking to align with a high-visibility, patriotic campaign are encouraged to partner with the organization by reaching out to info@rally4vets.com. Throughout the journey, followers can track the team via a live GPS map, enjoy daily highlight reels, and enter exclusive T-shirt giveaways by engaging with Rally4Vets on social media.
Media Contact
Tiffany Vaughn | Rally4Vets Press Office | tiffany.vaughn@dven.org | (571) 413-7171.
About Rally4Vets
Rally4Vets is a program of the Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network (DVEN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses motorsports and outdoor adventure to reduce veteran suicide and fund life-saving service-dog partnerships. Learn more at Rally4Vets.com.
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For more information about Rally4Vets, contact the company here:
Rally4Vets
Robert Hess
3104305899
info@rally4vets.com
840 Apollo Street
Suite 100
El Segundo, CA 90264
