On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) is proud to support America 250, a national, nonpartisan initiative to engage all Americans in honoring this historic milestone.
MOWW’s participation reflects our longstanding commitment to patriotism, service, and good citizenship. Through America 250, MOWW highlights the value of military service, honors the sacrifices of service members and their families, and strengthens civic engagement within communities across the Nation.
At the national level, America 250 themes are being incorporated into MOWW’s signature events and programs. Across the country, MOWW chapters are leading local commemorations in partnership with schools, civic institutions, veteran organizations, and state-level America 250 commissions.
Countdown to America's Birthday
127Days20Hours53Minutes26Seconds
Freedom Bells
A Nationwide Moment of Unity and Remembrance
In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, MOWW National and the MOWW San Diego Chapter have created Freedom Bells— a free bell tolling web app designed to unite Americans in a synchronized moment of reflection and celebration.
On July 4, 2026, FreedomBells.org will count down to 12 noon local time, allowing Chapters, individuals, families, schools, and communities to toll bells together in a shared national moment proclaiming liberty. Whether gathered in a public ceremony, participating from home, or far from home, Freedom Bells makes it possible for everyone to take part in this historic moment.
Freedom Bells has everything you need to create your own celebration:
Synchronized countdown to 12 noon local time
Digital bell tolling from any device with multiple bell sounds
Digital 250th Anniversary copy of the Declaration of Independence
America 250 initiatives are being conducted nationwide by MOWW chapters through public ceremonies, historic commemorations, youth engagement, and patriotic education. These events reflect both local history and America’s shared national story.
Public commemoration of the first raising of the American flag in 1776 on Prospect Hill, including a historic parade from Somerville City Hall, reenactors, fife and drum music, mounted General George Washington, patriotic commentary, guest speakers, ceremonial raising of the “Great Union” Flag, and a companion-supported brunch for uniformed participants.
Patriot’s Day Observances
Greater Boston Chapter, MA 19 April 2025
Participation in Patriot’s Day ceremonies including Lexington Green, Concord Bridge, and the Boston Patriot Day Parade honoring the opening events of the American Revolution.
Powder Alarm Commemoration
MOWW Region I 1 September 2024
Public ceremony marking the Powder Alarm of 1774, one of the earliest events leading to the American Revolution.
Installation of a commemorative plaque at Cantigny recognizing the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday and America’s Semiquincentennial, supporting public remembrance and patriotic education.
COL Thatcher T. P. Luquer Memorial Plaque Dedication
Roosevelt Chapter, NY 26 April 2026
A memorial ceremony at Oakland Cemetery in Mt. Kisco, New York, honoring COL Thatcher T. P. Luquer—World War I engineer, first Commander of the NYC MOWW Chapter, fourth Commander-in-Chief of MOWW, and the driving force behind the original 1936 proclamation of Army Day. The event includes the installation of a bronze plaque and a public recognition ceremony involving local veterans, youth organizations, and community members, reinforcing Army Day’s historical significance and honoring U.S. Army service.
Delaware Militia & America 250 Heritage Days
Delaware Chapter, DE 18-19 October 2025
A heritage weekend focused on the Delaware Militia and the 250th Anniversary, featuring living historians, historical actors portraying key founding figures, youth organizations, puppet plays depicting Revolutionary events, and a possible Massing of the Colors.
Homecoming 250: Navy & Marine Corps Anniversary
Philadelphia Chapter, PA 9-16 October 2025
The Philadelphia Chapter helped sponsor and host activities for Homecoming 250, a week-long celebration honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Events included ship parades, flyovers, ceremonies, and historic tributes, highlighted by the Navy & Marine Corps 250 Parade.
Army Birthday 250 – America 250 Commemoration
Philadelphia Chapter, PA 13-15 June 2025
A major historical event highlighting the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday, including reenactors on horseback, a church service at Christ Church, troop marshalling, and a ceremonial recommissioning of General George Washington at Independence Hall as part of America 250.
Celebrating 700 Years of Heritage & 250 Years of Grace
Region V Chapters 20 February 2026
A Georgian-themed colonial costume ball featuring period dances, historic presentations, a Colonial Massing of the Colors, and live music, benefiting youth civic education initiatives.
Independence Day Observance at the Signers’ Monument
Augusta Chapter, GA 4 July 2025
Community ceremony honoring Georgia’s signers of the Declaration of Independence at the Augusta Signers’ Monument.
Memorial Day Observance at the All Wars Monument
Augusta Chapter, GA 26 May 2025
Public Memorial Day observance ceremony at the All Wars Monument, honoring America’s fallen with military and civic guest speakers.
Lafayette Tour at Meadow Garden
Augusta Chapter, GA 23 March 2025
Living history event reenacting Lafayette’s 1825 visit to the home of Declaration signer George Walton in Augusta, Georgia.
U.S. Military Anniversary Luncheon
Memphis Chapter, TN 13 February 2025
Commemorative luncheon celebrating the founding of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps with patriotic partners and a distinguished guest speaker.
Installation of Memorial Plaques at Puerto Rico National Cemeteries
Puerto Rico Chapter, PR 26 March 2026
Design, casting, and permanent installation of two bronze memorial plaques at the Morovis and Aguadilla National Cemeteries honoring veterans’ service and sacrifice, supporting America 250 and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
A Service of Remembrance and Dedication to the Colors conducted with Fort Worth ISD JROTC, featuring military music, flag pairs from patriotic organizations, and a keynote portrayal of General of the Armies John J. Pershing as part of the chapter’s Patriotic Education Outreach.
The 2026 MOWW National Convention in Tucson, AZ opened with the dedication of a new granite historical marker at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana. This tribute honors all who have served and celebrates over 100 years of MOWW service as we look ahead to America’s 250th.
Creation of a nationwide bell tolling WebApp platform supporting America 250 participation through synchronized countdown tools, bell sounds, registration, ceremony resources, music, readings, and outreach to communities nationwide.
Massing of the Colors for Flag Day
Capt. Gaylord Dillingham Memorial Chapter, HI 24 June 2025
A formal Massing of the Colors ceremony held at the Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda honoring Flag Day and the U.S. Army Birthday as part of the State of Hawaii’s official America 250 Commemoration. The event assembles representatives from multiple veterans and military professional organizations and includes participation by state legislators and a U.S. Army Pacific Major General, with recognition from the Governor of Hawaii.
Commemorate America 250 with MOWW
Celebrate America 250 with this commemorative coin created by MOWW to honor America’s 250th anniversary and the service of those who defend the Nation.
⭐ A lasting keepsake of America 250.
⭐ A symbol of MOWW’s commitment to service and remembrance.
⭐ Ideal for gifts, presentations, and collectors.
⭐ Every purchase supports MOWW programs and initiatives!
America 250 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor our past, engage our communities,
and inspire future leaders.
“It is nobler to serve than to be served."
Become a Member
MOWW chapters provide opportunities to support veterans of all ranks and service, youth patriotic education, college ROTC and high school JROTC, Scouting, monuments and memorials, public safety/law & order, national and homeland security programs, and stimulate love of our country and flag.
