America 250 by Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian

As we close the chapter on 2025, the nation is turning its eyes toward 2026 and the once-in a-lifetime celebration of America’s 250th birthday—the Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence.

Donald Trump established Task Force 250 to plan a spectacular nationwide commemoration on July 4, 2026. Known as America250, this federal initiative is being supported by state-level commissions across the country that are organizing their own events and programs. (LEARN MORE at America250.org)

America250 has set an inspiring goal: “350 by 250”—to involve all 350 million Americans in honoring the milestone. You can take part by submitting your own story through Our American Story or America’s Invitation, having students share what America means to them via America’s Field Trip, or helping make 2026 the biggest year ever for volunteer service with America Gives.

Veterans History Project
One of the most powerful ways to mark the 250th is by preserving the stories of those who served. The Library of Congress’s Veterans History Project (VHP) collects and protects firsthand accounts from U.S. veterans who served from World War I to the present—whether they saw combat or not.

Any veteran, from any branch and any era since WWI, is eligible. Anyone (including students 15 and up) can volunteer to interview a veteran, record their memories, or donate letters, photos, and other original materials. Veterans are also welcome to submit their own collections. It’s a grassroots effort powered by ordinary Americans interviewing the veterans in their families and communities. Everything you need—step-by-step guides, sample questions, and a helpful how-to video—is available free at loc.gov/vets.

Why It Matters
Research shows that a meaningful life rests on three pillars: feeling that your actions matter, that your life makes sense, and that you’re working toward goals larger than yourself. Recording a veteran’s story for the VHP checks every box. The VHP Field Kit walks you through five simple steps—Prepare, Participate, Send, Access, and Inquire—so your interview becomes a trusted resource for generations to come.

(The Library of Congress preserves these personal accounts as submitted; they reflect individual experiences and are not official military records. Stories of fallen service members may also be submitted under the Gold Star Voices Act—email vohp@loc.gov for details.)

Collier County VHP
Back in 2014, I recorded and submitted 12 veterans’ stories to the Library of Congress, which earned me “train-the-trainer” status. Twelve years later, as the nation approaches its 250th, we’re doing it again—and on a bigger scale.

This time I’m joined by:
• Tim Guerrette, U.S. Air Force veteran, 30-year retired Collier County Sheriff, and host of the 239Uncensored podcast (who recently said at a Veterans Day event, “We need to get these stories before they’re gone”), and

• Brian Markel, the same veteran who helped me collect the original dozen and is still ready to serve.

Together we’ll train new interviewers and capture as many local veterans’ voices as possible before July 4, 2026.

The 250th anniversary is more than fireworks and parades. It’s a rare moment to look back with gratitude, honor every American who helped build this nation—especially those who wore the uniform—and commit to the future we want to leave for the next generation.

Your story, and theirs, belongs in the record. Let’s make sure it’s there.
(You can find me on 239Live-every Friday at 8 a.m.)
See Dr. Bolin on 239LIVE! Podcast Fridays at 8 a.m.