America's 250th anniversary countdown launches in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE - The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, also known as America250, the official entity charged with planning and orchestrating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, kicked off the three-year countdown to 2026 with the launch of "America’s Invitation" in Milwaukee at American Family Field Tuesday, July 4.

The U.S. Congress set up the commission to organize the celebrations, and they want you to share your story.

America's 250th Independence Day will ring out in 2026. The United States' Semiquincentennial will be celebrated in a divided America.

"The beauty of being a congressional commission is that we’re bipartisan," said Rosie Rios, chair. "In fact, I say we’re all partisan. In fact, I say we’re non-partisan. We’re here to represent the American people, and Congress has given us that charge."

Rosie Rios

Rios made her first pitch to the entire country at American Family Field before the Brewers game.

"This is America’s heartland," said Rios. "This is Main Street. I can’t think of a better way to represent the sea to shining sea approach than being here today."

In Milwaukee, the national commission launched "America's Invitation," inviting you to share stories of your American history and your dreams for tomorrow.

"Together, these stories will help create a full portrait of America at 250 years to pass down to future generations and, most importantly, to help us develop a commemoration that is truly of the people, by the people and for the people over the next three years," said Rios. "This is a rare milestone, one that affords us the opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and envision the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond."

Part of reflecting on the past might be the bicentennial in 1976, when America celebrated 200 years since the Declaration of Independence.

Shorewood Fourth of July parade

"Everyone was happy and joyous and having a good time," said Stephanie Momon of Shorewood. "It was similar to as it is now."

A lot has changed since the 1970s for Air Force veteran Lawrence Fox. He didn't go to Vietnam but served during that war.

"When I came back, I wouldn’t wear my uniform in a lot of places because it was unacceptable," said Fox. "The people wouldn’t like it. They’d spit on you."

Now, he's celebrated as a hero, driving in the Shorewood Fourth of July parade.

Lawrence Fox

"It’s an important thing because we get a lot of thank yous, which we should have got before," said Fox.

He said his hope for the 250th is to celebrate veterans.

"I don’t know what else, except a hell of Fourth of July," he said.

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He'll be 84 then, and like the rest of the country, he has three years to prepare for a party of historical proportions.

"Today is just the beginning, but we are so excited to get started," said Rios.

U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (America250) launches launch of "America’s Invitation" at American Family Field Tuesday, July 4.

The national commission launched a website where you can share your American story and dreams and hopes for the future. That could include stories, poems, essays, photos, videos, recipes and traditions passed down through the generations.