As families gathered on the South Lawn for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, this year’s celebration carried a distinctly patriotic tone — marking the lead-up to the nation’s 250th birthday.

The event, which dates back to 1878, has long been a signature initiative of the first lady’s office, with each administration putting its own stamp on the tradition. This year, that tradition intersected with a major national milestone, as the America250 effort took on a prominent role — a partnership that came directly from the office of first lady Melania Trump.