American Legion Posts Plan July 4th Events for Nation's 250th Birthday

As we approach July 4, American Legion posts and departments are preparing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in a variety of ways. For those doing so, we’ve drafted a speech for use at such celebrations. The speech is meant only to be a guide. Posts and departments are urged to tailor the speech to their respective events or audience.  Events already scheduled for July 4 include the Freedom Rings celebration at American Legion Post 64 in Flint, Mich. The post is inviting the community to explore local vendors, handcrafted goods and community booths in a farmer’s market atmosphere. Food trucks will be on site, as will activities for children that include face painting, a bounce house and other games designed just for them. The evening will end with music from a live DJ. In Pelham, N.Y., American Legion Post 50 and the Pelham Civic Association are teaming up to host the Pelham 250, a run to celebrate Ameica’s 250th anniversary and the Battle of Pelham, a pivotal battle in the  American Revolution. The race will cover 2.5 miles and is open to both runners and walkers.  “The post thought that we should have a special event this July 4th as part of our community’s celebration of the bravery shown in the Battle of Pelham,” Post 50 Commander Phillip Kiamie said. “Teaming up with the (Civic Association) made a lot of sense because they support our town and love to put on a race.” In addition to specially designed Pelham 250 shirts, all finishers will receive a medal commemorating the race and the Battle of Pelham.   Other posts commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial include:  ·         American Legion Post 136 in James City, Fla., is sponsoring both a parade and fireworks on July 4. Post 136 is inviting the public and local businesses to participate in the events to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday. ·         Camp Jackson American Legion Post 112 in Brownstown, Ind., is planning a special Fourth of July parade for this year titled “250 Years, the Story of Us.” ·         American Legion Post 229 in Corpus Christi, Texas, is organizing Flags of Freedom, a patriotic display of 250 American flags along Park Road 22 during the week of Independence Day.  The American Legion Magazine wants to know what your post or department is doing to mark the semiquincentennial. Email [email protected] with details, or post a preview at legiontown.org in the America 250 category. In March during the organization’s annual Washington Conference, The American Legion signed a memorandum of understanding making the Legion an official national resource partner with America 250.  “We want this to be the largest and most inspiring celebration and commemoration in our nation’s history,” America250 Executive Vice President Jennifer Condon said during the signing. “Let me emphasize – this is not just about a big fireworks show on July 4, 2026. This milestone gives us an opportunity to reflect on our past and what we want to be 250 years from now. It’s a chance for all of us to ask, ‘What is the spirit of America?’” The American Legion National Headquarters 700 N. Pennsylvania St., P.O Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Updates, resources, and special offers for veterans and their families.