Between July 23 and July 26, 2025, Caring Across Generations and partners, including DREDF, held a 60-hour vigil on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The vigil was held directly in front of the U.S. Capitol in honor of the 60th anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare. Stories and voices of caregivers, disabled people, older adults, and families were brought to the front steps of power. DREDF shared the stage that night with Crushing Colonialism. Their remarks from that night and a video are posted on the Crushing Colonialism website.
The following are remarks that Carol Tyson, DREDF Government Affairs Liaison, read out during the vigil:
I acknowledge that DC sits on the traditional lands of the Nacotchtank (or Anacostans), which neighbors the ancestral lands of the Piscataway and Pamunkey peoples. It is an honor to join you all tonight on behalf of DREDF and bear witness to the stories that will be shared over the next 60 hours.
We say shame on every elected official who voted against the interests of their constituents who need and rely on Medicaid for access to life-sustaining healthcare and supports and services to remain in the community. People in our community, people that these officials were elected to represent.
This campaign to Protect Medicaid has deepened existing relationships and forged new bridges, and we’re holding onto them. New relationships, stronger coalitions, more power.
To all those in and outside of the disability community who are fighting alongside us, sharing your stories and leading the way, thank you. To those in our community who will be or already harmed, you are not alone.
In order to protect Medicaid we invite you to join us in insisting that all human lives are sacred and have inherent equal value. We all deserve care and support. We acknowledge the lived experiences and ongoing oppression of people in the disability community with multiple identities, including those who are Black, Brown, Asian, Indigenous and LGBTQIA+.
We must support immigrants, and speak up for our neighbors, friends, families and caregivers who are being rounded up, disappeared, and locked in camps. We must continue to support our trans and non-binary siblings being targeted by hate. We call for justice, and access to food and healthcare for all people with disabilities and those oppressed around the world, including in Gaza.
Our struggles are connected, and we move forward, together. Take breaks when you need them and return when you can. We must all keep showing up: in coalition, in resistance, and in care. We love you.
After the vigil, a nationwide action called Families First was launched to send one clear message to Congress: our families come first. Learn more at Caring Across Generations’ take action page.