American Legion posts can customize release to encourage celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
On July 24, 2026, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. A kickoff event to begin this celebration will be held on Friday, April 18, and American Legion posts are encouraged to participate and invite the local community to as well.
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (going by the name America250) is the national body tasked with organizing the celebration of America’s birthday in 2026, and state commissions have organized as well. Kevin Hampton, assistant director for programs and education for the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, conceived and developed materials, including press tools, to call for the display of two lights on the evening of April 18 for Two Lights for Tomorrow. This includes all state capitol buildings, offices, businesses, churches, schools, individual homes, and American Legion posts.
Hampton's Two Lights for Tomorrow commemorates the night of April 18, 1775, in Boston when silversmith Paul Revere rode to Lexington, Mass., warning minutemen and households about the approach of British forces. Behind him, the North Church was shining the agreed-upon code from its steeple via lanterns: “One if by land, and two if by sea,” according to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem “Paul Revere’s Ride.” The next day were the battles of Lexington and Concord, and the colonists were well prepared.
A prepared press release asking for the community to join their local American Legion post in this commemoration on April 18 is available for posts to download, customize and send to your local media. Download the press release.
Hampton is asking participants to email him at khampton@va250.virginia.gov with details so he can add them to a nationwide map.
- News