America's 250th Anniversary: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future
America 250 is no longer around the corner—it is here!
On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, marking 250 years since the founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were boldly proclaimed to the world.
But this milestone is more than a single day. From 2023 through 2033, we commemorate the Decade of the American Revolution—honoring the battles fought, the alliances forged, the sacrifices made, and the peace secured that gave birth to the United States of America.
The Illinois Society, Sons of the American Revolution, is proud to lead efforts across our state to:
- Preserve and mark history through cemetery signage, grave dedications, and Liberty Tree ceremonies
- Educate and inspire through school presentations, youth contests, and community programs
- Elevate visibility with Color Guard participation, public events, and media engagement
- Coordinate commemorations that bring together chapters, partners, and communities statewide
Every compatriot, every chapter, and every community in Illinois has a role to play in making the 250th anniversary meaningful and memorable.
Featured Event: July 8, 2026
National Declaration Reading — Sharing the Spirit of America Together
On July 8, 1776—four days after the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence—Colonel John Nixon publicly read the document to the citizens of Philadelphia for the first time. The bells of the city summoned the crowd, and the words that would change the world were heard aloud: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..."
250 years later, we read those words together again.
Join the National Reading: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
When: 5:00 PM (Illinois time) | 6:00 PM Eastern
Where: State Capitols, City Halls, County Buildings, Schools, Libraries, Community Centers, Parks—and homes across Illinois
In a coordinated effort spanning all 50 states and 16 U.S. territories, Americans will read the Declaration of Independence simultaneously, just as it was first read to the people in 1776.
Whether you join an official public reading or gather your family at home, your voice becomes part of a national chorus affirming the principles that unite us across thousands of miles and ten time zones.
How to Participate:
- Find a local reading near you: hawaii
america250.org/ reading- locations - Organize a chapter or community reading (contact: president@
illinois- )sar.org - Read with your family at 5:00 PM on July 8—download the Declaration text from archives.gov
Just as the Declaration of Independence was read to the people on July 8, 1776, now—250 years later—we read it together, affirming our shared commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The Decade of the American Revolution (2023-2033)
A Timeline of Commemorations
The American Revolution was not a single moment—it was a decade of courage, sacrifice, and determination. Illinois SAR invites you to join us in commemorating each milestone:
- 2026 — Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)
- 2027 — Battle of Saratoga
- 2028 — French Alliance
- 2029 — Siege of Vincennes / Fort Sackville, Battle of Kettle Creek
- 2030 — Battle of Kings Mountain
- 2031 — Siege of Yorktown
- 2032 — Battle of Blue Licks
- 2033 — Treaty of Paris
Every community can participate. As the National SAR reminds us: "Just because the historical event did not happen in your area does not mean your area cannot have an event observing the historic anniversary."
Resources for planning your event: america250
Liberty Tree Program
Planting Freedom in Illinois Communities
Liberty Trees are a powerful Revolutionary War symbol. In colonial towns, patriots gathered beneath large trees to discuss freedom, organize resistance, and inspire action. Today, Illinois chapters are reviving this tradition by designating Liberty Trees in communities across our state.
Illinois Liberty Trees (2025)
□ Carlinville Liberty Tree
□ Location: Carlinville, Illinois
□ Date: July 4, 2025
□ Tree: California Redwood (originally planted by Albert Drew)
□️ Chapter: General George Rogers Clark Chapter
A 250th Liberty Tree designation honoring the community's Revolutionary War heritage. The ceremony brought together chapter members, local officials, and families to celebrate patriotism and history.
□ Bolingbrook Liberty Tree
□ Location: Bolingbrook Village Hall
□ Date: November 15, 2025
□ Partners: Fox Valley/Kishwaukee Chapters + Isle a la Cache DAR Chapter
Village elected officials, staff, VFW, and American Legion members joined SAR and DAR partners for a ceremony celebrating "patriotism, partnership, and the enduring symbolism of the Liberty Tree."
□ Bloomington Liberty Tree
□ Location: General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter
□ Date: October 25, 2025
□️ Special Guests: President General Michael Elston, VPG Mike Campagnolo
Dedicated during the Great Lakes District Meeting, bringing together Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan SAR and DAR members for a regional celebration.
Want to Dedicate a Liberty Tree in Your Community?
Contact your local chapter or reach out to the Illinois Society to learn how your community can participate in this meaningful program.
Cemetery & Grave Marking
Honoring Patriots Resting in Illinois Soil
Our cemetery plaque and grave marking projects do more than honor Revolutionary War patriots—they engage local communities, schools, scout troops, and civic partners in living history.
If your chapter or community has a Revolutionary War patriot burial site, we can help you plan a dedication ceremony that brings history to life for future generations.
Coordinator: Mike Campagnolo ([email protected])
Planning a cemetery project? Please contact the Illinois SAR President (president@
Educational Outreach & Youth Programs
Inspiring the Next Generation
America250 is an opportunity to expand educational outreach with presentations, essay prompts, and oration opportunities tied to founding-era themes.
Illinois SAR is experiencing record participation in youth programs, with significantly higher contest submissions than in recent years. Our programs include:
- Knight Essay Contest (High School)
- Rumbaugh Oration Contest (High School)
- Americanism Poster Contest (Elementary School)
- Brochure Contest (Middle School)
- Eagle Scout Recognition
- JROTC & Sea Cadet Awards
□ 2024 National Winner: Shreya Nallamothu (Illinois) won both the Knight Essay and Rumbaugh Oration contests at the national level!
Color Guard & Public Engagement
Our Most Visible Assets
The Illinois Society Color Guard participates in ceremonies, schools, parades, and commemorations throughout the year. Their presence elevates events, reflects discipline and patriotism, and opens doors for fresh partnerships with local organizations.
During America250, the Color Guard will be at the forefront of our commemorative events—honoring the past while inspiring pride in our founding principles.
Interested in Color Guard participation? Contact president@
Partnerships
Stronger Together
Illinois Society SAR deeply values our partnerships with:
- Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) — Joint ceremonies, student programs, and America 250 planning
- Children of the American Revolution (CAR) — Youth education and patriotic activities
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) — Wreaths Across America, Veterans Day observances
- American Legion — Community ceremonies and support
- Boy Scouts of America — Eagle Scout recognition, Color Guard participation
- Schools & Educators — Classroom presentations, contest support, teacher recognition
Together, we honor our country's history and educate future generations about the founding principles that unite us.
How to Get Involved
Every Compatriot, Every Chapter, Every Community
For SAR Members & Chapters
Each chapter should identify at least one signature event or project for the 250th year. Share your plan with the state board of managers so we can spotlight your work and provide resources.
Ideas:
- Host a July 8 Declaration reading at your local library or courthouse
- Dedicate a Liberty Tree in partnership with your city or DAR chapter
- Organize a cemetery marking ceremony for a Revolutionary War patriot
- Bring Color Guard to schools, parades, and civic events
- Coordinate a battle anniversary commemoration (2026-2033)
- Partner with teachers for classroom presentations on founding-era themes
Contact the Illinois SAR President: president@
For Community Members
You don't have to be an SAR member to participate in America250!
- Attend a July 8 Declaration reading in your community
- Nominate a teacher for the American History Teacher Award
- Encourage students to participate in our essay and oration contests
- Attend a Liberty Tree dedication or cemetery marking ceremony
- Learn about your Revolutionary War ancestors and consider joining SAR
For Educators
Resources for Teaching the American Revolution:
- america250
sar.org — Programs, materials, videos for students and teachers - Revolutionary War Rarities Podcast — 8-10 minute videos on rarely taught stories (fastfun
history.com ) - Youth Contest Support — Essay, oration, poster, and brochure contests with awards
- Teacher Recognition — Apply for the Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award (up to $5,000 value)
Looking Ahead
The Momentum We Built in 2025 Sets Us Up for an Even Stronger Year in 2026
From July 8's national Declaration reading to local Liberty Tree dedications, from youth contest victories to cemetery marking ceremonies, Illinois Society SAR is committed to making America's 250th anniversary meaningful, educational, and inspiring.
This is living history—renewed in every wreath placed, every name spoken, every student inspired, and every community engaged.
Join us. Honor the past. Inspire the future.