America’s 250th Celebration in Jersey

[July 19, 2026]  America is the greatest place in the world to live, work, worship, and raise a family. The recently established Spirit of 1776 South Jersey Celebration is hosting a “spectacular” event near my home, and I have the inside story on how it’s unfolding.  Over the next few weeks, I’ll share insights into how good leadership is making this a highly successful effort.  America’s 250th birthday celebration is the hottest thing in the Northeast this year.  The event is set for Saturday, September 19th (60 days out) at the Egg Harbor Township Veterans’ Memorial Park.

As we all know, this year marks the 250th birthday of America.  Sure, we go a long way to make July 4th extra special, but let us not forget the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), and we are using this time to honor and respect those who were part of the War of Independence.  With that in mind, the committee putting this together tells me they now have a rough outline of events I can share.

Here is the outline of events.  Because we are two months out, the times may vary slightly:

• 9:00 AM – the Patriot Parade
• 10:30 AM – Inaugural Ceremony
• 11:00 AM – 63rd Army National Guard Band
• 12:00 Noon – 250th Birthday of America
• 1:00 PM – Mummers
• 2:00 PM – Honoring America’s Founders
• 3:00 PM – Band 
• 4:00 PM – Catholic Mass (all invited)
• 6:30 PM – Pre-Fireworks events
• 7:30 PM – Fireworks (just as it gets dark)

There will be family-focused events, many geared toward younger children.  For example, there will be a petting zoo, face painting, caricature drawing, arts & crafts, historical exhibits, and plenty of opportunities for kids to crawl over large fire trucks and military equipment.  One of the big draws is the U.S. Marine Air Group 49 display of their rotary-wing aircraft and a professional portraying Benjamin Franklin.  Good for them.

Yes, I’m giving an early look at the inner workings. I’ll provide one today that shows the level of planning. Of course, success is in the execution on the day, but I’m sure they can make it happen.

• Inaugural Ceremony: As the Patriot Parade ends, the Color Guards will gather near Veterans’ Memorial Park and march to the park’s highest point, where American flags fly. Once there, the ceremony begins. 
• Raising of the American Flag with honors
• Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag recited by 200-300 fourth and fifth graders
• Invocation by local pastor
• The Star-Spangled Banner played by the 63rd National Guard Band
• Guests of Honor Recognized (WWII vet, Medal of Honor recipient, ex-POW, wounded Police Officer, local retired Judge, etc.)
• Honors to First Responders
• St. Nicholas Aurora Carolers sing patriotic song
• Helicopter flyover
• Flag Folding by Last Salute (U.S. Marine non-profit)
• Cannon Fire to honor all those who gave their lives for our country
• Huge American Flag unfolding (from ladder fire truck)
• Fife & Drum Corps (civilian) plays to retire the colors
• Benediction

I’m told they will have hundreds of American flags throughout the area.  Plus, there will be a strong military and law enforcement contingent on hand to participate and provide security.  Liaison personnel will be assigned to all large organizations that will play a major role throughout the day.  That’s good planning.

Fitting all these events into a 30-minute block will certainly be a challenge, but knowing some of these folks, I’m sure they can do it.  I asked them what I should use to describe the day’s events.  Two words came to mind, “patriotic” and “spectacular.”  Exactly right.

🇺🇸 God Bless America. 🇺🇸

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Please read my books:

1. “55 Rules for a Good Life,” on Amazon (link here).
2. “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” on Amazon (link here).