Vruwink named to Wisconsin commission planning America’s 250th anniversary celebration

State Rep. Don Vruwink will serve on Wisconsin’s commission to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, according to information released by his office. 

Formally known as the semiquincentennial, the anniversary is called “America 250” for short, according to a news release. 

The Wisconsin commission is responsible for planning events that highlight the role of Wisconsin’s impact on the nation’s past, present and future. The commission will develop educational opportunities for public and private schools. Each school will provide at least one America 250 event during the 2025-26 school year. The Commission will also develop plans to attract regional, national and international tourists, the release stated. 

The Wisconsin Commission will coordinate with the national America 250 organization, whose mission is “to work with public and private entities across the country with the goal of orchestrating the largest and most inclusive anniversary observance in our nation’s history,” the release noted.

Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer named Vruwink, D-Milton, who represents Assembly District 43, as her designee to serve on the commission. Other members will represent the Wisconsin Historical Society, Veterans Museum, Tourism Federation, and Wisconsin Native Americans, the release continued. 

“I’m thrilled to be appointed to this commission, which I advocated for in the last legislative session. I was a co-sponsor of the legislation creating this commission and I look forward to the first meeting this fall,” Vruwink was quoted as saying in the release. 

He continued: “I remember America’s bicentennial in 1976, when communities across Wisconsin celebrated the 200^th anniversary of the founding of America. I was a beginning teacher, and I saw firsthand how these events build community spirit and national pride. I look forward to another great series of celebrations four years from now.”

The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. The 250^th anniversary, marking America’s separation from Great Britain, will be celebrated in 2026, the release noted.