America Turns 250: Celebrate with local events
By TONYA WARREN| Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR and courtesy of FORT HOOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS
From sea to shining sea and every place in between, our country is getting all gussied up to commemorate our milestone of 250 years as an independent country. With that spirit in mind, pack up your friends, family and picnic basket and head out to celebrate the big red, white, and blue at one of the many locations close to you.
Freedom secured for us in our early days as a country as well as historical military measures taken to ensure the continuation of those freedoms would mean little to nothing without the development of military installations like Fort Hood. In William Pugsley’s fascinating book, Imprint on the Land: Life Before Camp Hood, 1820-1942, he writes that this unique area of land was chosen for its mixture of geology, economics, politics, and the interplay of personalities. Starting with World War II, Camp Hood tested and trained in war tank destroyers.
Eventually, the camp’s name changed to Fort Hood. The purpose of Foot Hood remains to provide a combat-credible armored corps ready to deploy, fight, sustain and win in multi-domain operations anywhere in the world.
FREEDOM BALL 2026
Enjoy an evening of tradition, inspiration and pride at the Freedom Ball on July 2, at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center from 5 to 11 p.m. Social hour, dinner, dancing and more are planned throughout this special evening. This formal ball welcomes service members and their families, as well as community members to join in this important celebration.
“As we celebrated the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army last year, and the 250th birthday of our country this year, we reflect on the rich history and legacy of service, sacrifice and dedication,” Col. Kamil Sztalkoper, Director of Public Affairs for III Armored Corps, shared. “From the Revolutionary War to present-day missions, our Soldiers have consistently demonstrated their resolve to defend freedom at home and abroad.
Sztalkoper said the U.S. Army has been dedicated to fighting and winning the nation’s wars for 250 years, and it will continue to do so for years to come.
“Fort Hood has been an integral part of the Central Texas community since World War II. Any time we have an opportunity to celebrate together, especially the 250th birthday of our nation, is a chance to build and maintain our strong community partnership with our fellow Texans,” he added.
Although it’s nice to get dressed up for a ball, who can resist seeing a beautifully decorated and deliciously made huge cake cut with a military sabre?
FREEDOM TRUCKS
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Freedom Trucks are taking patriotism coast to coast with a nationwide tour honoring the nation’s history, heroes and enduring spirit.
The interactive displays are bringing American history to life with interactive touchscreens and AI-generated historical figures. Visitors have the opportunity to digitally sign the Declaration of Independence and tour the Wall of American Heroes.
“Understanding our nation’s heritage is foundational to military service,” Brig. Gen. Geoff Van Epps, III Armored Corps Deputy Commanding General – Maneuver, said about the experience. “The Freedom Truck exhibit offers a direct connection to that history.”
Although the Freedom Truck already made its stop in Central Texas, locals have the opportunity to see it at other places while on vacations across the country. Visit https://freedom250.org/freedom-truck to find out if a truck will be in a city near you.
PARADES, JEEP JAMS & MORE
Get your 4th of July celebration started early with the For God and Country Concert held on Sunday, June 28, at New Beginnings Church in Harker Heights. The 2 p.m. concert will showcase traditional patriotic songs, as well as inspirational songs honoring our country’s divine inception. Audience participation will make for an additional special touch to this event.
Start off July 4 with the 8 a.m. patriotic program at the Bell County Courthouse, followed by the annual 4th of July Parade. Randy Pittenger, Belton Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, encourages all to attend this 30-minute event.
“This patriotic program serves as the kickoff for the parade that will include an invocation, posting of the colors by Fort Hood soldiers, the National Anthem by Belton High School Madrigal, and much more.”
The event will conclude with a keynote speech by a Fort Hood commander. Attendees will also enjoy a performance by the Belton Marching 100 Alumni Band, who will perform before and after, as a prelude to the parade.
The Belton parade is always a favorite and has been an annual city tradition for more than 100 years. The fun begins at 9 a.m., showcasing local elected officials, high school marching bands, Fort Hood personnel, local business representatives, equestrian teams and much more.
Remember your lawn chair, water bottle and bug spray for a more pleasurable morning.
After the parade, keep the spirit alive by heading over to Nolan Creek Park and enjoy games, food, a hot-rod car show, displays of military and first responder equipment, and more.
Head over to VFW Post 9192, 301 Wolf Street in Killeen, for a Fourth of July party that includes live music, food, vendors, and a Jeep Jam that will make just about anyone toast the red, white, and blue. Expect lots of patriotic decked out Jeeps. Come see what unlimited imagination looks like on a cool set of wheels. Of course, the perfect way to end the day is with fireworks.
As the heat of the day starts to cool, you have several options to conclude your perfect Fourth of July.
Schoepf’s BBQ will be hosting its annual Backyard Party, which includes live music and fireworks at beginning at 6 p.m.
Crossroads Park in Temple will host its annual July 4 Fun Fest beginning at 6 p.m. Grab traditional summer eats from participating vendors and settle in for some live music and relaxation.
Enjoy a touch of high-tech color with the Texell Drone show at 8:15 p.m., followed by a traditional fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
What’s a Texas July summer night without a rodeo? The Belton Chamber of Commerce will have its annual PRCA Rodeo for three nights beginning on July 2 at 7 p.m. at the Cadence Bank Center. Many Central Texas families make this an annual tradition to get that patriotic spirit going before the big day or even to cap off a week full of patriotism.
