May 18, 2026
KANSAS CITY, Mo. –– The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce it has joined America250 as a programming partner in celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday, amplifying our shared focus on educating, engaging and uniting Americans for this historic moment in history.
For 250 years, America has stood free not by chance or accident, but because generations of veterans answered the call of duty when their country needed them. From the earliest days of the Revolutionary War to the challenges faced in the modern era, these men and women have stepped forward to protect the very ideals upon which our nation was founded.
Our nation’s freedom has never been guaranteed. It has been defended and protected only through the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of all those who have worn the uniform. Veterans have stood on the front lines of history, ensuring that each generation can live in a country where freedom is not just a word, but a way of life. They have faced danger abroad, served their communities at home and stood as living examples of dedication, honor and commitment.
As America marks 250 years, it is impossible to separate our story from theirs. Veterans are not simply part of our history - they are the living embodiment of the values and principles that have carried this nation through triumph and trial. Their service, dedication and sacrifice have shaped every chapter of America’s story and made this milestone possible.
For more than a century, the VFW has stood beside America’s veterans, providing support, advocating for their benefits and access to health care, honoring their service and ensuring our nation keeps its promises to them. The VFW is not just a veterans service organization. It is part of the American story.
Across every corner of the country, veterans have been pillars of support, centers of community, and examples of civic responsibility. Their contributions extend beyond the battlefield — they have inspired education, fostered leadership and strengthened the bonds that unite us as a nation. In celebrating 250 years of freedom, we recognize that this achievement is ours to share in.
VFW Departments, Districts, Posts and members around the world are encouraged to visit America250 and get involved in the celebrations, volunteerism or storytelling surrounding this historic occasion.
This anniversary is more than a commemoration of dates and events, it is a tribute to the spirit of service that defines America. As we honor our history, we also look forward to the next chapters, confident that the dedication of our veterans will continue to guide and protect the freedoms we hold dear. Today, and every day, we celebrate the American veterans whose courage and sacrifice have made 250 years of freedom possible, and whose legacy will inspire the generations to come.
Happy 250th, America!