Nationwide list of events extends past July 4, will be updated.
American Legion Family posts, units and squadrons nationwide have been organizing events to celebrate the semiquincentennial. Below is a list of such events submitted to National Headquarters. This list will be updated; send details of your event to magazine@legion.org, and share your stories of involvement on Legiontown.
The Department of Michigan has planned a 250th Celebration of America for 2 p.m. July 8 at the Michigan State Capitol grounds in Lansing. July 8 is the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, and reenactors will portray Benjamin Franklin, a colonial militia, drum and fife corps, and more.
Camp Jackson Post 112 in Brownstown, Ind., will conduct a 250-themed Fourth of July parade on July 4.
James Witkowski Post 138 in Mesa, Ariz., will host Jim Boomer’s 250 Year Anniversary Celebration on July 4, at 6 p.m., with fireworks, music and food.
Rainbow Post 2 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is partnering with city and business leaders for a family-oriented event downtown from 3 to 11 p.m. July 3. The Legion Family is responsible for the Kid Zone. The main area will have a stage and live music, with a drone show as the grand finale.
D.N. McQueen Post 103 in Punta Gorda, Fla., will put on the Red, White and Blue Days from
3 to 10 p.m. June 14 at Laishley Park. The event will include a drone show, food, drinks, live music and more.
Post 206 in Windom, Minn., has celebrated America’s 250th birthday all year long, in particular at the Riverfest Celebration June 8-14, where the post will participate in the parade and a former post commander serve as grand marshal. On Flag Day, June 14, the post will conduct a flag retirement ceremony.
Mahoning Valley Post 15 in Poland, Ohio, along with its Auxiliary unit and Sons squadron, has worked with the local Poland 250 group to help celebrate the semiquincentennial, with specific activities or events planned for each month. The annual Celebrate Poland, to be held this year June 26-27, will feature a Legion color guard in the parade.
Post 135 in Cresco, Iowa, has conducted a flag placement program with a local Cub Scout pack, sold 250th-anniversary shirts, and plans a special event for July 4.
Oakley Traynor Post 64 in Flint, Mich., will hold its Freedom Rings celebration on July 4. 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.
Post 50 in Pelham, N.Y., and the Pelham Civic Association are teaming up to host the July 4 Pelham 250, a run to celebrate America’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. In addition to specially designed shirts, all finishers will receive a medal commemorating the race and battle.
Post 199 in Edwardsville, Ill., will host a festival with food and live music and fireworks on July 4 from 4-10 p.m.
Post 155 in Carmel, Ind., is hosting an event with Carmel's Commission on Veterans Affairs, the Carmel VFW, the Clay Township Military Museum and others on Friday, June 26, from 2-4 p.m., with storytelling, guest speakers, conversation, cake and military displays. Local veterans will share personal stories or those of family members; RSVP here.
Rosedale-Laurelton Auxiliary Unit 483 in Rosedale, N.Y., will celebrate veterans and America’s 250th birthday with a comedy show and barbecue in Rosedale on Sunday, July 12, from 3-6 p.m. The event will include music by Deejay K-Swift, food and a cash bar. Tickets can be purchased here.
Donald N. Thompson Post 655 in Haltom City, Texas, will celebrate America’s 250th birthday by leading the veteran-recognition portion of the North Tarrant Chamber of Commerce’s Family 4th Event on Wednesday, July 1, as well as by cooking 400 corn dogs for an eating competition. On July 4, they will hold their traditional all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, with red, white and blue pancakes and extra donations for America250.
By National Executive Committee resolution, 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.
- USA250