Thursday, October 1, 2026
The City of Lacey is rolling out a slate of public events through the summer to mark the 250th anniversary of America's independence, among them a fireworks spectacular expected to draw thousands of people and a museum exhibit chosen by community vote.
The Lacey City Council recognized the milestone at a meeting on June 16, proclaiming June as America250 Month ahead of the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4.
Parks, Culture & Recreation Director Jen Burbidge outlined the city’s plans during a presentation to the council.
Before walking through the festivities, she acknowledged histories of dispossession, forced removal and abridged treaty rights that contributed to the development of the nation, state and city.
The city’s commemorative schedule includes the following events:
The Lacey Police Department is also participating. Officers will wear a specially created patch featuring the American flag and "250 Years" on their right shoulder for the remaining life of each uniform. Patches are expected around early July, and the image will appear on department social media.
Daughters of the American Revolution member Shirley Stirling, who serves as the organization's state proclamation coordinator, also addressed the council. She helped draft the proclamation language adopted that evening and told members Lacey could organize its own concurrent reading of the Declaration on July 8, timed to the Olympia event.
"We are certainly not a perfect country," Stirling said, "trying to make it better all the time, and I think that the Declaration had the right spirit, and it's helping us move in a good direction."
Stirling also authored a column in The Jolt detailing the history and significance of the July 8 Olympia reading.
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Snevets
Look into the past of the Daughters of the American Revolution and their discrimination at monumental times, namely Marian Anderson's performance@the Lincoln Memorial, the years during Jim Crow... Eleanor Roosevelt left her membership over their discrimination. Have they changed their ways, more inclusion?
Friday, June 26 Report this
Letsbecivll
Well done, some nice events that inform and let folks form their own opinions. thank you for reminding us of the many opportunities to learn, discuss, enjoy and grow.
Friday, June 26 Report this
Yeti1981
@Snevets, The Marian Anderson incident was a shameful chapter in DAR's history, and it's worth remembering. It's also worth recognizing that it happened nearly 90 years ago, the organization has publicly apologized, and today's DAR is not the same organization it was during Jim Crow. If we believe people and institutions can learn from their mistakes, then we should judge them by both their history and what they've done since. America itself has an imperfect history too, but that's exactly why celebrating 250 years is meaningful. We acknowledge where we've fallen short while continuing to strive toward the ideals laid out in the Declaration of Independence.
Friday, June 26 Report this
Boatyarddog
Speaking of Shamfilled / Shamefilled History, we need only look at The Current Hypocrisy of American Leadership, RIGHT NOW. The Biggest Test of American Freedom and justice is currently being unfolded. We Have an AUTHORITARIAN Dictator trying to rise up and proclaim World Dominance on ALL issues. AMERICANS MUST NOT allow our Voting RIGHTS to be circumvented by A Rougue Excutive in High office. What WE DO right now about this Order to Not deliver the Ballots by Our LIAR en Chief CLOWN WILL Show where we are at 250 years later.
Let us NOT screw this up... it means everything to our future Populations of FREE AMERICANS.
Friday, June 26 Report this
Boatyarddog
Trump actually claimed today that he would be the best Communist if it were allowed in the country.,.. Future Plans Perhaps?
Friday, June 26 Report this