July 4 marks America’s 250th anniversary. More than a milestone celebration — America 250 invites reflection on the people, events and ideals that have shaped the nation since 1776.
This historic anniversary provides an opportunity not only to honor the nation’s past, but also to inspire conversations about its future and the shared responsibility of citizenship in the years ahead.
It seems fitting that VFW Posts from “sea to shining sea,” are leading the way in commemorating the sesquicentennial.
A mural on VFW Post 3279 in Abilene, Kan., recognizes America’s sesquicentennial. It was a community effort to fund the mural, which was created by Mindy’s Murals. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was a member of the Post.To honor America’s rich history, General Dwight D. Eisenhower VFW Post 3279 in Abilene, Kansas, commissioned an America 250 mural on the front of its building in downtown Abilene.
Birthplace of President Dwight D. Eisenhower — who also was a member of Post 3279 — Abilene is rich in patriotism. Located about 30 miles west of the Kansas Flint Hills right off I-70, the street leading into downtown is lined in U.S. flags year-round.
Members of the Post had been looking at having a mural painted, but the expense was prohibitive. They then were approached by the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, who proposed a mural.
Mindy’s Murals out of Junction City, Kanas, helped create the design, which includes the insignias for the seven branches of the military and two soldier silhouettes. The center of the mural is a bald eagle in flight.
According to Post Senior Vice Commander Bill Marshall, the mural cost $14,500. The Community Foundation of Dickinson County paid $12,000, the Post paid $2,000 and the Daughters of the American Revolution Abilene chapter contributed $500.
“This would not have been done without the help of the Community Foundation,” Marshall said. “Julie Roller is the director of the Visitor’s Bureau, and she really knows how to get things done.”
In addition to tourists visiting Abilene to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, the town also is known for its festivals and celebrations. The biggest event is the D-Day commemoration held on the first Saturday in June.
It culminates with a Symphony at Sunset concert performed by the Salina Symphony on the lawn of the library grounds.
“Abilene is supportive of veterans,” VFW Post 3279 Commander Joe Black said. “The camaraderie and community is why we do what we do here.”
To see the mural, visit the Abilene Post at 317 N. Spruce Street.
HISTORICAL MARKER COMING TO POST 5066
In Collierville, Tennessee, VFW Post 5066 has embraced America’s 250th in a unique way. An historic marker will be placed at the Post home this year.
According to Jenn Bennie, Post 5066 junior vice commander — the first woman to be elected to office at the Post — the wording for the marker was submitted to the State of Tennessee Historical Society for approval.
“As one of the oldest VFW Posts in Tennessee, and its impact on the local community, we thought the Post should be celebrated for its part in history,” Bennie said. “We plan to get this into the ground as an America 250 celebration for the town of Collierville.”
The marker will read:
“One of the Oldest VFWs in Shelby County"
The Robert T. Jamison Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Collierville, Tennesee, was chartered on December 6, 1945, with 33 original members. The overseas veterans of this community recognized the post-war need for readjustment to civilian life. The Post was named in honor of Robert Jamison, the first World War II casualty from Collierville.
Private Jamison of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, was killed in Germany on October 15, 1944. He was born in Collierville and a 1934 graduate of the high school. The Collierville Herald reported “Robert was one of Collierville’s best and fi nest young men.” He is buried in nearby Magnolia Cemetery. The VFW Clubhouse on Center Street, built in 1950, off ered the community social bond with other organization meetings, dances, and in 1958, a community pool. The Collierville VFW Auxiliary was organized May 17, 1948, with 35 members. A large portion composed of the veterans’ family members. In March 2017, Post 5066 merged with Bartlett Post 1965, assuming their date of rank as December 16, 1930.”
AMERICA 250 COALITION AT WORK IN NORTH CAROLINA
VFW Post 12196 in Leland, North Carolina, proposed a plan to the local Chamber of Commerce to organize an America 250 Coalition. This group includes representatives of the towns of Leland and Belville, the Chamber, the American Legion and the VFW.
The coalition is tasked with providing resources and publicity to the “Belville History Project.” This is a program to engage area high-schoolers in interviewing local residents about their memories and knowledge of the town of Belville.
The town will take the information to document a verbal history of the town and a time capsule.
According to VFW Post 12196 Commander Gerald Decker, history project events took place in April, May and June.
“We also are working with the Magnolia Greens community HOA to help them organize their annual July 4th parade,” Decker said. “We will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and give the holiday speech to the crowd.”
Additionally, the Post also is partnering with the Brunswick County Arts Council to host a salute to veterans. Other partners include Brunswick Big Band and the Veterans Creative Arts Program.
“In September, we are planning a Veterans Art Show,” Decker said. “It’s a busy time for those motivated by the opportunity to engage in community service.”
CELEBRATING IN HUNTSVILLE
In Huntsville, Alabama, Gentry-Isom VFW Post 2702 members are planning to take part in the myriad Independence Day activities in their community.
“We are participating with the city of Huntsville in their July 4th parade,” said Bobby E. Lee Jr. “We will have a float representing veterans from the Vietnam War to the present conflicts. Veterans will be riding on the float.”
At Big Springs Park during the Fourth of July celebration, the Post has planned a VFW booth where members will distribute Buddy Poppies and talk about veterans benefits and the advantages of VFW membership.
“We will have members dressed in period uniforms representing all the conflicts involving American participation since the inception of the VFW,” Lee said. “We will hand out Poppies, Presidential rulers, toy Army soldiers and handheld flags for people to wave during the parade and the fireworks afterwards.”
Prior to the parade and celebration, the Post is hosting a U.S. Trivia Contest for the community on July 3 as a prep for the city’s celebration.
VFW magazine would love to hear how your Post is celebrating this momentous occasion. Email your clear action-oriented photos and details to magazine@vfw.org.
This article is featured in the 2026 July/August issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Janie Dyhouse, senior editor of VFW magazine.