The United States is approaching a monumental milestone, and America250 is an organization working to ensure every American knows about it — and celebrates it.
What Is America250?
According to the America250 website, “On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.”
The website also notes that “across the country, Americans are planning unique and exciting ways to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America250 has compiled upcoming milestones and opportunities to get engaged and ensure that all Americans can find ways to commemorate this historic moment in our nation’s history.”
At a time when even flying an American flag can feel politicized, Stephanie Elmer, a Flower Mound resident, has chosen to celebrate being an American. She has embraced the America250 movement and has already spent the year setting and achieving related goals.
Elmer said she was initially inspired by the podcast “The Words That Made America,” featured on “Honestly with Bari Weiss.”
“It’s kind of sad that we are not really proud of who we are right now, because we are an amazing country,” she said. “It’s not just about wearing red, white and blue. It’s recognizing a chance to celebrate all the good and to give back, somehow.”
America250 Goals
Her America250 goals are varied. Her travel plans include visiting Washington, D.C.; three presidential libraries she has not yet seen; three national parks; three museums of American history; and the Lexington and Concord war reenactments.
She recently returned from Washington, D.C., where she visited monuments on the National Mall, the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian museums, the National Archives and the Capitol.
Closer to home, Elmer visited the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, which opened in 2025.
“It’s stunning,” she said. “When you go to D.C., the architecture matches the grandeur of what they’re presenting, and this was the case with this museum as well.”
She also visited the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas, which she described as more than a museum of one defining moment, but rather “a museum of American history.”
Elmer is also focused on reading and studying books on American history, great American literature and the nation’s founding documents. Some she has committed to memory, including the Preamble, the Gettysburg Address and excerpts from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address.
“As I’ve studied the presidents in general this year, I’ve been especially impressed by George Washington,” she said. “You have to recognize that he was a man of such character that even for his time was unusual, even for educated people who were very learned. When he spoke, it carried significant weight. To start to understand what was contributed by so many people, at their peril, is fascinating and inspiring.”
Her additional goals are wide-ranging, from making an American flag quilt to writing members of Congress, supporting veterans, attending political events, voting, listening to music by American composers, giving patriotic gifts to friends and family and even taking the U.S. citizenship test for fun.
America250 and Community Service
One of the main components of the America250 initiative is “America Gives,” which emphasizes service. The website states: “Help us make 2026 a year of record-setting service. Whether you’ll be volunteering for the first time or challenging yourself to do more, join people across the country in committing to give back to honor America’s 250th.”
With this in mind, Elmer has committed to completing 250 hours of service, including 200 hours of community service. She often finds opportunities through JustServe.org, which connects volunteers with local projects from many organizations.
Nicole Couch, a local JustServe coordinator, said Elmer’s efforts reflect a broader goal among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, local congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are setting a meaningful goal to complete 250 service projects, whether individually, as families or together as congregations and groups,” Couch said. “This effort is an opportunity for each of us to show gratitude for the blessings of freedom and community by serving those around us.”
“Through simple acts of kindness and organized service, we hope to strengthen our neighborhoods, uplift those in need and build unity within our community,” she added. “Every project, no matter how small, contributes to a larger purpose: honoring our shared heritage through Christlike service. Together, we can reach this goal and make a lasting impact, one act of service at a time.”
Honoring America Through Service and Gratitude
With her children grown, Elmer said she is intentional about how she uses her time.
“I have freedom in how I spend my time, and with that privilege, I choose to honor and respect the things that are important,” she said. “When you start reading about certain periods in our history, you begin to see what we’ve weathered and overcome, and you start to have faith in the bigger picture.”
“As a country, there are many things we haven’t gotten right, even from the start,” she said. “However, we amend and change and grow. That’s because we are a government of the people. What you don’t like, you can work to change. Look at all the people who have done so.”
Elmer’s love for her country is evident in both her gratitude and her efforts to commemorate the America250 milestone — and she hopes others will find meaningful ways to celebrate as well.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, those interested in commemorating the milestone through meaningful service can learn more about America250 volunteer opportunities through JustServe’s America250 initiative.