But like the Bible verse, 2 Chronicles 7:14, after which it is named, the event has a deeper meaning.  

“For several years, I had been becoming more and more aware of the way that people are struggling around me and in our nation and in our world,” said event director Mary Bustamante. “And I wanted to help.” 

Bustamante, a longtime Dearborn resident, said she witnessed many forms of struggle that ultimately prompted her to take action through the event. “It’s hurt feelings and it’s missed opportunities and it’s losing loved ones to death. It’s watching veterans come home with missing limbs,” she said. 

Bustamante said she thinks everyone can connect with those experiences but wanted to bring people together around something positive. Last year, she and a team of volunteers began planning for the patriotic educational program that centers on U.S. history. 

Christianity is a fundamental part of that narrative, Bustamante said, because a majority of the Founding Fathers were Christian. Though there are Christian references throughout the program, she hopes people of other faiths will also attend. 

“I think the message that she’s putting across is a message that we Muslims would understand, too,” said Ron Amen, a member of the board of trustees for the Islamic Center of America.

Bustamante invited Amen and other members of the city’s Muslim community to the event, as well as Jewish leaders and their congregations. 

To ensure that attendees can share in the entire experience, halal hot dogs will be available, along with traditional hot dogs. 

On both days, re-enactors will portray figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. A 52-piece symphony orchestra, a choir and other musicians will perform religious and patriotic songs on Sunday. 

According to Bustamante, freedom is one of the greatest gifts in the country and the program focuses on that ideal. 

“We are really trying to convey to the audience what an amazing country we have,” Bustamante said. “It’s not a prayer service, that’s for sure.” 

Volunteers and team leaders from a variety of churches helped organize the event. Bustamante said they welcomed everyone who wanted to participate, without questions about religious affiliations. 

Mayor Jack O’Reilly, who met with Bustamante and others early in the planning process, said the faith community in Dearborn is active and strong. 

“I think for a healthy community it’s good to have a strong faith community,” O’Reilly said, adding that it is not important which faith that is.

For Bustamante, loving one’s neighbor is an important part of the event. 

“My goal is to focus on the good and to find the things that will bring us together as different people,” she said. “Different religions, different cultures, all of it.” 

The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, followed by a concert until 5 p.m.