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America 250

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

s we close the Why It Matters
chapter on 2025, Research shows that a meaningful life
A the nation is rests on three pillars: feeling that your actions
turning its eyes toward matter, that your life makes sense, and that
2026 and the once-in- you’re working toward goals larger than
a-lifetime celebration of yourself. Recording a veteran’s story for the
th
America’s 250 birthday— VHP checks every box.
the Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of The VHP Field Kit walks you through
Independence. five simple steps—Prepare, Participate, Send,
Donald Trump established Task Force 250 to plan a Access, and Inquire—so your interview becomes a trusted
spectacular nationwide commemoration on July 4, 2026. resource for generations to come.
Known as America250, this federal initiative is being (The Library of Congress preserves these personal accounts as
supported by state-level commissions across the country that submitted; they reflect individual experiences and are not official
are organizing their own events and programs. military records. Stories of fallen service members may also be
(LEARN MORE at America250.org) submitted under the Gold Star Voices Act—email vohp@loc.gov
America250 has set an inspiring goal: “350 by 250”—to for details.)
involve all 350 million Americans in honoring the milestone. Collier County VHP
You can take part by submitting your own story through Our Back in 2014, I recorded and submitted 12 veterans’ stories
American Story or America’s Invitation, having students share to the Library of Congress, which earned me “train-the-trainer”
what America means to them via America’s Field Trip, or status. Twelve years later, as the nation approaches its 250th,
helping make 2026 the biggest year ever for volunteer service we’re doing it again—and on a bigger scale.
with America Gives. This time I’m joined by:
Veterans History Project • Tim Guerrette, U.S. Air Force veteran, 30-year retired
One of the most powerful ways to mark the 250th is by Collier County Sheriff, and host of the 239Uncensored podcast
preserving the stories of those who served. The Library of (who recently said at a Veterans Day event, “We need to get these
Congress’s Veterans History Project (VHP) collects and stories before they’re gone”), and
protects firsthand accounts from U.S. veterans who served • Brian Markel, the same veteran who helped me collect the
from World War I to the present—whether they saw combat original dozen and is still ready to serve.
or not. Together we’ll train new interviewers and capture as many
Any veteran, from any branch and any era since WWI, is local veterans’ voices as possible before July 4, 2026.
th
eligible. Anyone (including students 15 and up) can volunteer The 250 anniversary is more than fireworks and parades. It’s
to interview a veteran, record their memories, or donate a rare moment to look back with gratitude, honor every American
letters, photos, and other original materials. Veterans are also who helped build this nation—especially those who wore the
welcome to submit their own collections. It’s a grassroots uniform—and commit to the future we want to leave for the next
effort powered by ordinary Americans interviewing the generation.
veterans in their families and communities. Everything you Your story, and theirs, belongs in the record. Let’s make sure
need—step-by-step guides, sample questions, and a helpful it’s there.
how-to video—is available free at loc.gov/vets. (You can find me on 239Live-every Friday at 8 a.m.)

See Dr. Bolin on 239LIVE! Podcast Fridays at 8 a.m.

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