America 250 | American Legion Post 136 hosts Independence Day celebration for America’s 250th anniversary
The American Legion is organizing events for America’s semiquincentennial on Pine Island.
Once again, American Legion Post 136 is the proud sponsor of both the America 250 parade and fireworks celebrations on Pine Island.
For our nation’s 250th birthday, the post at 4106 Stringfellow Road, St. James City, will pull all the stops to make this a fun and exciting party.
The Independence Day parade is sponsored traditionally by the American Legion, 8th term Auxiliary President Angee Romero said.
“It brings together veterans, families, businesses, civic organizations and visitors to Pine Island, serving in a spirit of patriotism, pride and gratitude.
“The event also honors the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans as well as the active duty military members and, moreover, Independence Day celebrates the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, Romero said.
“This year’s parade is especially meaningful because we’re celebrating 250 years of American Independence,” she said.
The American Legion’s role is always going to be preserving patriotism in part by supporting veterans and also strengthening the community by mentoring our youth. This is why sponsoring the parade in this event goes hand in hand with the Legion’s ultimate mission of community engagement.
“The parade allows the Legion to bring people together regardless of age, background and political beliefs, to unite us as Americans,” Romero said.
Pride in the local community is one of the best parts of the parade, such as when you get to see neighbors come together to celebrate, she said.
The mission of the American Legion is to include veterans, organizations, schools, youth-groups, first responders and businesses as they all play a role in the success of the event.
“The parade showcases the unique character and spirit of our community,” Romero said.
Another important aspect of this event is the emphasis on the freedoms, which allow the celebration of Independence Day, as well as serving as a reminder of service, citizenship, and community involvement, she said.
Looking toward the future, she said, it’s our duty to inspire young people to become leaders, volunteers and engaged citizens.
“We have a juniors program that we try to promote at the American Legion – the values of freedom, service, respect and unity remain just as important today as they were in 1776. Community events like this help keep those values alive. This year’s parade is more than a Fourth of July celebration, it’s an opportunity for our community to honor 250 years of American history,” Romero said.
Pine Island American Legion Post 136 would like to invite everyone to join in the celebration this Independence Day.
Romero said she loves the American Legion and in her opinion, it is one of the greatest veterans organizations in existence.
“We do a lot. We have more than one pillar. Our veterans, our families, our children and youth and our community,” Romero said.