Press & Media
The Christopher J. Bradley Summit is a unique human interest story combining name-based gatherings, America's 250th anniversary, veteran recognition, and a founder with an unusual journey.
The Story
On July 4, 2026 — America's 250th birthday — up to 2,000 strangers who share the exact same name will gather in Northwest Florida for the first time. The Christopher J. Bradley Summit brings together the estimated 2,287 Americans who share this name to explore what connects them beyond three words on a birth certificate.
The organizer, Christopher J. Bradley, is a Gulf War veteran who spent nearly a decade living alone on a sailboat along Florida's Gulf Coast after his life fell apart. During those years, he photographed over 2,000 sunsets, wrote several children's books in addition to the 28 children's book series he is finishing on constitutional values to be released on July 4, 2026, and built several civic education platforms. The summit is his experiment in connection.
Story Angles
- • The growing phenomenon of name-based gatherings (Josh Fight, Phil Campbell, Nigel Night)
- • America's 250th birthday — E Pluribus Unum with a twist
- • A veteran's journey from disconnection to building community
- • The genealogy crowdsourcing challenge to find the earliest American CJB
- • Honoring a Navy veteran namesake injured in service
Quick Facts
- Estimated Christopher J. Bradleys in America:
- 2,287
- Event Date:
- July 4-5, 2026
- Location:
- Northwest Florida
- World record to beat:
- 2,325 (Ivans in Bosnia, 2017)
- Proceeds benefit:
- Veteran housing organizations
Photos for Media Use
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Media Contact
For press inquiries, interview requests, or additional information:
press@christopherjbradley.com