At least 27 semiquincentennial events to be supported by Department of Utah Legion Family.
Family,
American Legion Past National Vice Commander Randy Edwards says the Department of Utah is ready.
No fewer than 27 Legion Family-supported special events are planned in his Beehive State this year to help celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The departments of North Carolina, Florida, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Mexico and many others are all in, as well.
How about you? Is your American Legion Family – at the local, district or department/detachment level – building buzz and planning action for the nation’s semiquincentennial and the unique opportunity it offers? No matter the size of the community, population or budget, The American Legion can and should take a leading role in the biggest salute to U.S. patriotism since 1976.
The National Executive Committee passed a resolution last May urging departments, districts and posts to get connected with their state and territorial America250 commissions, and we know that many are. State, territorial and post American Legion Family members are perfectly qualified to fulfill many exciting responsibilities in the coming celebration. Without question, this moment in our nation’s history is tailor-made for our programs. Here are some ways to consider:
- Make this the year to really promote and grow participation in Legion Family youth programs. Download the USA 250 Youth Programs poster to see how our work with young people advances pride and understanding of America.
- Plan an American Legion Family USA250 Challenge event in your community. In branded apparel, we can inspire others to conduct acts of fitness, wellness and service in honor of our nation.
- Open up the post home to the public to learn about the veterans and veteran supporters in the community. Wrap it around a ceremony or public speech. America wants to hear from veterans and their families at this time.
- Coordinate a local military/veterans memorial, park or cemetery clean-up project, working with other community groups. We can show what we mean by responsible citizenship.
- Organize and present flag-education programs at local schools, Scouting units or church youth groups.
- Activate the local Legion Family in support of the America250 effort by downloading this playbook to see where you can jump in. Included are potential funding sources and pathways that make a lot of sense for posts, units and squadrons of all sizes.
The opportunities are unlimited. It’s important to review the choices that best fit your American Legion Family – which paths to take – and get involved. The one thing that has set our nation apart, since the birth of the republic, is a willingness to act, and act effectively, when the opportunity arises. Anything less, frankly, would be un-American.
Let’s get excited, get involved, take action and share our stories of 250th-anniversary celebration on the national Legiontown web platform at legion.org/legiontown, under the America 250 category. Most of all, let’s have some fun showing the world who we are, what we do and why we so love our nation that we pledged our lives to defend it.
American Legion Past National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer is chairman of the American Legion Ad Hoc Committee on the 250th Anniversary of America.
- USA250