Public Invited to Submit Photos for ‘November Salute’ Celebrating Active Duty Military, Reservists, Guard Members, and Veterans; Commemorative Photo Mosaic to be Unveiled for Veterans Day
Washington, D.C. – America250, the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, is issuing a public call for photos, videos, and stories celebrating U.S. active duty military service members, reservists, guard members, and veterans for its second “November Salute” in recognition of military service members. Submitted images will be used to create a photo mosaic art installation to be publicly displayed in commemoration of Veterans Day this November.
“Honoring and remembering the millions who have sacrificed for our nation’s freedom is a key pillar of our work leading up to 2026,” said Anna Laymon, vice president of programs and planning at the America250 Foundation. “November Salute gives Americans across the country the opportunity to recognize and thank the heroes in their life, as well as explore the stories of others who have served their country and played a pivotal role in defending our democracy.”
Today through October 20, 2021, Americans everywhere are encouraged to submit their photos, videos, and stories on the November Salute page of the America250 website. The resulting photo mosaic will comprise thousands of images, including more than 700 photos from the 2020 November Salute which featured military service members and veterans in an online “Gallery of Salutes.” In addition to a public display, the 2021 mosaic will be available for viewing through an interactive online gallery where the community can explore and learn more about the photos and stories within the artwork.
The mosaic will be created by The People’s Picture, a female-led photography and design studio at the leading edge of design and technology. Their mission is to use digital storytelling to bring communities together to create, celebrate, and own their unique legacy.
America250 military engagement
In an ongoing effort to hear from the public to help shape initiatives for the 250th, America250 held a Community Conversation: Military Families session on July 28 with Major General Peggy Combs United States Army, Retired; Kathy Roth-Douquet, co-Founder and CEO of Blue Star Families; Jennifer Dane, executive director of the Modern Military Association of America; Emily Dixon, military spouse and former Air Force weather officer, and moderated by Dr. Megan Springate, director of engagement at America250, and Dr. Carleen Carey, America250 director of public outreach and inclusion, to explore what America’s semiquincentennial means to them and their communities.
In addition, America250 recently announced the co-chairs of its Veterans, Military, and Family Members Advisory Council. Retired Major General Alfred Valenzuela of the U.S. Army and Retired Major General Peggy Combs of the U.S. Army are charged with ensuring recognition of the sacrifice of service members and their families as part of America’s 250th anniversary.
About America250, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and America250 Foundation
America250 is a multiyear effort to commemorate the semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, of the United States. The purpose of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress, and the corresponding America250 Foundation is to catalyze a more perfect union by designing and leading the most comprehensive and inclusive celebration in our country’s history. America250 represents a coalition of public and private partners all working to create initiatives and programs that honor our first 250 years and inspire Americans to imagine our next 250. The commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027. For more information, visit www.america250.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter , Instagram and TikTok.
America’s Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
A new contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.