VA to Honor 49 Revolutionary War Patriots for America’s 250th Anniversary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it will host nationwide tribute ceremonies honoring 49 Revolutionary War veterans interred or memorialized in VA national cemeteries and VA-administered soldiers' lots. The events are part of the broader, yearlong national initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The ceremonies are scheduled for Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time across 16 sites nationwide. August 2 holds historical significance as the 250th anniversary of the day in 1776 when the majority of Continental Congress delegates formally signed the Declaration of Independence, following its adoption on July 4.

Ceremonies Across 16 National Sites

Each participating location will conduct individualized tributes, including official wreath-laying ceremonies, guest speeches, and traditional honors to recognize the soldiers and sailors who fought during the Revolutionary War.

The commemorative events will take place at 16 cemeteries spanning 14 states and the District of Columbia, including:

• Congressional Cemetery Government Lots (District of Columbia)
• Saratoga National Cemetery and Bath National Cemetery (New York)
• Indiantown Gap National Cemetery (Pennsylvania)
• Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery (Missouri)
• Great Lakes National Cemetery (Michigan)
• Florida National Cemetery (Florida)
• Fort Bliss National Cemetery (Texas)

Honoring the Roots of Military Service

The initiative highlights the enduring lineage of American military service, connecting the nation's earliest patriots to modern national cemetery stewardship.

“Service, sacrifice and patriotism are qualities displayed by our veterans going back to the very founding of our nation,” said VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown. “Two hundred and fifty years later, we remain inspired by those who first took up arms in defense of liberty, and who, like the signers of the Declaration of Independence, risked their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to establish the United States of America.”

Public Tributes and Digital Legacy

In addition to in-person ceremonies, the VA is inviting the public to learn about the 49 individual Revolutionary War heroes through the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) platform. Visitors to the online portal can view dedicated memorial pages, post interactive tributes, and review biographical documents commemorating each veteran’s contribution to American independence.
Burial and memorial benefits provided by the National Cemetery Administration remain available at no cost to eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents across the nation’s 157 national cemeteries.

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