August 31, 2022

Legion invited to America's 250th birthday party

By Jeff Stoffer
Convention
Legion invited to America’s 250th birthday party
America 250 Foundation Advisory Council Chief Manager David Harmon speaks during Day 2 of The American Legion 103rd National Convention at the Milwaukee Center in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Photo by Hilary Ott/The American Legion

American Legion has a seat on advisory council to guide commission's plans.

America’s 250th birthday is less than four years away, and plans are taking shape to celebrate in communities large and small, across the map, through events and activities led prominently by veterans and the military community.

David Hamon, advisory council liaison to the America250 Foundation, made it clear Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the 103rd American Legion National Convention that “we need your help.

“The Legion’s storied and cherished place in American history, its unique program on Americanism and the valued and trusted role each of the posts play in every community make you a critical asset as we plan this national commemoration,” Hamon told thousands of veterans and family members at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. “The Legion’s exemplary record of bringing national issues to the attention of the citizenry is needed as we plan for 2026. So, please join us in this journey.”

The foundation, formed in support of the congressionally established U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, is guided by 12 advisory councils. American Legion Past Department Commander Autrey James of California serves on the Veterans, Military Affairs & Family Members Advisory Council, which will provide counsel about how best to engage veterans and the military community through to the 250th anniversary and beyond.

Council members, Hamon said, “are the pathfinders in establishing national recognition for service, sacrifice and the role that military service plays in modeling the traits of leadership, citizenship and everyday contributions of veterans, military and family members who help build their own local communities.”

He added that the council aims to “officially recognize in a material way every living veteran during the commemoration and further, to create and ensure meaningful, special service tribute paid to all active-duty, reserve component service and military families. To accomplish this, we need the advice, guidance and contributions of all veterans service and military service organizations. It is our vision that on July 4, 2026, every community across the United States will have a celebration organized and led by veterans and military members – a hometown celebration unlike any other. With the aid of the Department of Defense, every continental U.S. military base, every overseas base and all the ships at sea will hold their own celebratory events.”

Hamon discussed three general directions the commission seeks to pursue:

-       Diversity of American life “and our common humanity”

-       Deepen understanding of American history and the nation’s highest ideals

-       Inspire a new movement of civics and civics education

The American Legion has long supported advances in civics education in schools and communities through its Americanism Commission.

Hamon said the Legion is uniquely positioned to help the commission and America250 Foundation put the 250th birthday plans in motion across the states, in local communities, tribal nations and U.S. territories.

“We are counting on local governments and organizational programs to be the primary entry point for many Americans in this engagement and celebration,” Hamon said, noting that networks of nonprofit, government and commercial partners are critical to the semiquincentennial plans. “We will engage as many Americans as we can.”

Hamon said that by the end of 2022, 30 states will have established programs of their own in connection with the commission’s vision. They are now setting up state offices, drafting proclamations and legislation to honor the milestone. “It is hoped that the state organizations will develop their own community networks and begin the conversation among their own citizens. Each state will be unique in how it sets up its own programming and milestones.”

 

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