America250 Chair Rosie Rios says energy is building to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial in July, and beyond.
If you’re unfamiliar with Rosie Rios, look in your wallet. Her signature appears on $1.2 trillion in U.S. currency. The 43rd United States treasurer, who served in that capacity between 2009 and 2016, now chairs the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. She remembers the nation’s bicentennial of 1976 and the impression it made on her as a young child. Her goal now is to see the nation’s 250th anniversary inspire a similar revival of patriotic enthusiasm, national pride and unity.
Last spring, the American Legion National Executive Committee passed a resolution urging posts and departments to work closely with America250 in their states and U.S. territories, to celebrate the milestone, from the smallest towns to the biggest cities, offering opportunities for all ages, and a renewal of the same kind of spirit Rosie Rios felt 50 years ago. The following interview can be read in the January 2026 issue of The American Legion Magazine.
Q: How would you describe the energy nationwide – and beyond – about the nation’s 250th anniversary?
A: There’s an incredible sense of energy and anticipation. Americans recognize this as a once-in-a-lifetime milestone – an opportunity to celebrate who we are, reflect on where we’ve been and envision where we’re headed. What’s truly inspiring is the spirit of partnership and collaboration across nonprofits, schools, veterans groups, corporate America and community leaders, each contributing in their own unique way to honor this moment. The enthusiasm is genuine. The momentum is undeniable, and it’s growing every day.
Q: It seems like there’s something for every age group, interest and budget along the America250 pathways – from America Gives to America Waves. How can someone learn more about them and get involved?
A: Our website, america250.org, features an interactive map where people can explore what’s happening across the country and in their states and communities. We’re also working with state and territory commissions to continuously populate that map with their events and celebrations, making it easier than ever for anyone to get involved. While we cannot be all things to all Americans, we have something for every American.
Q: What did you learn in the first two years of America’s Field Trip from youth answering, “What does America mean to you?”
A: The initial round of submissions was deeply moving. Students from across the country shared what America means to them through original writing and artwork, and what I found is that there’s a great reserve of optimism and patriotism in this next generation. Awardees of America’s Field Trip get to choose from a series of backstage experiences with our federal partners, many of which have never been offered before. This includes a private tour of the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, feeding the animals at the Washington Zoo, a sleepover at the American History Museum, or visits to a number of our national parks and treasures all over the country.
Now in its third year, and thanks to our founding partners BNY and Discovery Education, America’s Field Trip is expanding significantly ahead of the 250th anniversary. For the first time, 250 winners will be selected – up from 150 in the previous contest. We’re seeking submissions from all 56 states and territories – Guam to Alaska to Philadelphia, and everywhere in between.
Q: What is the essential goal and long-term value of the Our American Story tour that kicked off last summer, and how can people get involved?
A: Our American Story is a historic initiative to collect, preserve and celebrate voices from all walks of life. It’s designed to capture the largest archive of American stories ever created. The project is already recording interviews nationwide, and a portion of these stories will be preserved at the Library of Congress to ensure they become a permanent part of the national record. This initiative will also be showcased through multiple platforms, including digital collections that could form the basis of a documentary or limited series to weave personal narratives into broader American history. People can follow the tour and submit their own stories online at america250.org/our-american-story. It’s a powerful way for anyone to add their voice to the American narrative.
Q: Much America250’s emphasis is on community service. Why was that a chosen pathway, and what is expected from it?
A: Service is one of the most powerful expressions of patriotism. With America Gives, we’re challenging the country to set a new record for volunteer hours in 2026. Supported by Walmart and Coca-Cola, this initiative honors our shared responsibility to one another – whether through neighborhood cleanups, food drives or acts of public service. It’s about leaving a legacy of service and civic pride that extends far beyond the anniversary year.
Q: How are America250 state and territory commissions playing an important role?
A: The state commissions have been incredible partners in translating the America250 mission into community celebrations. America’s Potluck in Utah is a great example – one, because it’s a simple yet powerful idea that invites neighbors to gather, share a meal and celebrate what connects them. And two, because it shows that this milestone is not just about New York or Philadelphia – it’s sea to shining sea. You can find out what’s happening in your city or town by using our interactive map and calendar at america250.org/calendar.
Q: How does the America250 Commission’s work line up with the presidential Task Force 250 and its mission?
A: Ten days after his inauguration, President Trump issued an executive order, “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday,” which underscored the administration’s commitment to a coordinated planning process and formally recognized the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission as a key partner in this national effort. We’ve been coordinating closely with the Trump administration and are delighted by its deep commitment and vision for this milestone, as well as President Trump’s personal dedication to make America’s 250th a historic success.
Q: How do you see the American Legion Family’s role in community celebrations and in honoring our flag and its meaning?
A: The American Legion is a natural leader for this milestone. Through America Waves, we’re encouraging every community to celebrate in their own way, and the Legion’s long tradition of honoring and protecting the dignity of the flag makes it a perfect partner. A key part of America Waves, Flag Sojourn 250, is taking and flying a special U.S. flag in every state, territory and U.S. military cemetery overseas; the journey to these 26 cemeteries in 10 countries is already complete. When the flag has completed its journey, we are honored that an American Legion motorcade will help escort the flag on the final leg of its trip from the National Flag Foundation headquarters in Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.
Q: It seems like the Fourth of July 2026 is not an ending point in all this but a turning point.
A: That’s exactly right. In addition to the big, inspirational moments of celebration, we’re building an enduring movement that will continue to engage and unite Americans long after the fireworks fade. The movement is our lasting legacy – America250’s value-based programs designed to educate, engage and connect Americans at every level. Also, let’s not forget that the eyes of the world will be watching us as the World Cup rolls out in 2026 and then the LA Olympics in 2028. This will truly be a global movement where billions of people will be focused on this great country.
Q: From a personal perspective, what does it mean to you to chair this commission?
A: It’s truly the honor of a lifetime. In 1976, I was in fifth grade, and I remember taking a school field trip to the Oakland train station to see the Freedom Train. I remember watching the tall ships sail into the New York and Boston harbors on our black-and-white TV. I remember getting my bicentennial quarter, which for me was my life savings. But more than anything, I remember how I felt. It was a cloudy night in Hayward, Calif., on July 4, 1976, but those fireworks were never brighter. I remember feeling gratitude for my mother, who came to this country from Mexico to seek a better life. She raised me and my eight siblings by herself, and with the help of our Catholic village and the gift of our great education and a lot of hard work, she managed to send all nine of us off to college. We are the personification of the American dream. Now, as chair of America250, I want every American, especially younger Americans, to feel that same sense of opportunity, pride and gratitude to live in our great country.
American Legion departments and posts are encouraged to connect with their state and local America250 commissions. An online directory is available to contact these commissions at america250.org/our-partners/state-and-territory-commissions. Share your stories of involvement on Legiontown.
- USA250