City of Florence Announces America 250 Theme: “One Nation, Many Stories” |
FLORENCE, Ala. – October 21, 2025 – The City of Florence is proud to join the national and state observance of America 250, marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America in 2026. The Florence America 250 Committee is excited to announce the city’s official theme, “One Nation, Many Stories,” reflecting the unique voices, heritage, and shared history that define our community. The celebration will begin with a special Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Veterans Park, hosted in collaboration with the University of North Alabama Veterans Affairs. This ceremony will serve as Florence’s first official America 250 event, honoring local veterans and preserving their legacy through a group photo series by era of service for inclusion in the Veterans Memorial Museum archives. All veterans and community members are invited to attend. Throughout the year, a variety of community events will highlight Florence’s rich history and vibrant future as part of the America 250 celebration. Plans include the City of Florence Birthday Celebration in March of 2026, a patriotic First Fridays event on July 3, 2026, hosted by the Downtown Florence Alliance, and events by the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library and the Florence Arts & Museums Department. These and other local events will feature historic photo exhibits, music, and community tributes leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration Spirit of Freedom Celebration by Singing River Media on July 4, 2026. Residents, schools, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to join in the celebration. If you would like to host an America 250 event, please submit your information to Lee Moore Lee@visitflorenceal.com with Florence-Lauderdale Tourism to be included on the official event calendar and receive branding materials. In addition to community events, Florence will undertake a digital archive project to capture and preserve stories, photographs, and artifacts from the city’s 250-year history to ensure that Florence’s story is recorded for generations to come. As part of the observance, Florence Arts & Museums will host “The Next 250: Reflecting on Our Past, Reimagining What’s Next,” a community discussion inviting residents to share meaningful stories and ideas for the future. This national initiative encourages civic dialogue rooted in reflection, respect, and a sense of belonging as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. Space is limited (15). Follow the link to register. To learn more about the broader initiative and find resources, visit the national and state pages at: |