The story of America has always been made possible by the stories of our veterans and military families. 

Now, thanks to the service and sacrifice of generations of men and women who wore the uniform, our nation is just three years away from the 250th anniversary of our founding in 1776: our Semiquincentennial. 

As we mark this historic milestone in the life of our nation, we want to celebrate and preserve the stories of all our veterans and military families so that future generations will see these extraordinary American lives front and center in the record of America at 250.

This Independence Day, America250 - the nonpartisan organization established by Congress to coordinate the commemoration of our founding - kicked off the official countdown to 2026 with America's Invitation. America's Invitation is your opportunity to share your story and be a part of this historic milestone for our county. We want to hear from you - the story of your service, or family members' service, and your reflections on our nation's past, present, and future. 

At Stories.America250.org, Americans from all walks of life can share their stories - about their communities, culture, neighborhoods, and more - through photos, videos, artwork, poems, songs, letters and more. America250 will use these stories to help create a full portrait of America at 250 years to share with our fellow Americans and to pass down to future generations.

Together, the stories shared with America250 will showcase what makes America unique, and enable us to develop an historic commemoration of the people, by the people, and for the people a commemoration that includes all of us. 

Our 250th is an historic milestone in the life of our nation. It is a milestone we owe in large part to veterans and military families. Help us ensure that service is honored now and for the next 250 years to come.

Share your story today at Stories.America250.org.