Post 335 is delivering 250 holidays cards, flags, coats and more to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4.
Members of American Legion Post 335 in Sylvester, Ga., are celebrating America’s 250th birthday by expanding the quantity of what they currently do for veterans, youth and community members with Buddy Checks, holiday cards, flag distribution, toys and more.
Ray Humphrey, senior vice commander for the Department of Georgia and a member of Post 335, shared how the post is supporting 250 years of the United States.
“I tell our post members that if we share the ideas, maybe we’ll spread the thought to other posts of how to celebrate America’s birthday,” Humphrey said.
Delivering 250 cards to veterans at nursing homes and the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center. The cards are made by elementary school students and delivered on Valentine’s Day, Veterans Day and Christmas. “We just make sure that every holiday the veterans are taken care of,” Humphrey said. Normally, the students make about 150 cards a year but increased it 250 for America’s birthday. When Humphrey asked the teachers about making cards for veterans annually, they said, “’Absolutely, our class would love it.’ And they do.”
Entering middle school students in a 250-word essay contest hosted by the post called “Happy Birthday America! What you mean to me”. There will be a cash award for the top three entries. Teachers and staff from Worth and Baker County will be the judges.
Making 250 Buddy Checks a month to post members, veterans and neighbors. “We are assuring that if they have needs, especially the elderly and less mobile, that their needs are met,” Humphrey said. For example, “We do Buddy Checks right after storms to see if everything is OK. If they say their yard is a mess, that afternoon we’ve got our SAL and our Legion Riders and everybody over there cleaning up the yard. We’re just doing the things you’re supposed to do.”
Handing out 250 flags to children along Post 335’s Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Christmas parade routes.
Collecting and retiring 250 American flags. Humphrey said Post 335 has already exceeded its goal.
Displaying 250 American flags along Highway 82 in Sylvester for June 14, Flag Day, and July 4. A note that reads Happy 250th Birthday America” will be displayed on each flag.
Shipping 250 care packages to deployed troops. The post has already sent packages to troops deployed and have packages ready to go but are waiting to ship following the conflict in Iran.
Collecting and distributing 250 winter coats to homeless veterans. “Winter might seem to be a long way off, but, for the homeless every night can get cold,” Humphrey said.
Collecting and donating 250-plus toys for Toys for Tots program, as well as collecting and donating over 250 new toys and refurbished bikes in conjunction with the local Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Family and Children's Services.
Another way American Legion members can celebrate America’s birthday is through The American Legion’s USA 250 Challenge. The challenge encourages participants to engage in fitness, mental health and community service by logging 250 miles or hours of one, two or all three of the activities by July 4, 2026. Learn more here and register for $30 which benefits the Legion’s Veterans & Children Foundation. Be a part of the challenge to raise $150,000 for VCF.
- USA250 Challenge