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A Chronicle of Our Commemorations
Stars & Stripes Bikes, Boards & Blades
Kids and their families decorated their bikes in red, white and blue for this event on May 23 in Rotary Park. DeKalb Rotary, DeKalb Public Library and DeKalb Park District partnered for the event. Mayor Cohen Barnes also read a patriotic story. View more photos at dekalbrotary.org/gallery.
DeKalb Public Transit
America 250 DeKalb spirit winds its way through the community courtesy of this DeKalb Public Transit bus. A smaller bus and a transit van also display the red, white & blue theme.
Independence Day Run
The DeKalb Park District is encouraging runners to start America's birthday of on the right foot by joining the annual Independence Day morning run, and the America 250 DeKalb logo is part of the t-shirt design. Don't forget the register for the race: runsignup.com/Race/IL/Dekalb/IndependenceDay5k10k
Memorial Day Parade
NIU alumni and a retired professor are part of the City of Rockford Pipe Band, which was one of the new entries in the Memorial Day parade. The America 250 DeKalb committee successfully expanded the parade to make it a stronger salute to veterans and military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Downtown DeKalb
Early in the morning on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, DeKalb Public Works lined Lincoln Highway with American flags from First through Seventh Street.
These flags are part of the downtown America 250 DeKalb pieces, saluting our country and our veterans. The City also added:
• Red, white, and blue flowers downtown,
• Red, white, and blue hanging flower baskets on light poles,
• New American flag lamppost banners along downtown streets,
• Patriotic bunting, and
• Red, white, and blue lights in the Van Buer Plaza trees and along Locust Street, DeKalb’s Honorary Veterans Way.
Public Works was also honored to hang the DeKalb American Legion’s renewed Hometown Hero banners. Congratulations to the Legion on this successful program honoring DeKalb’s heroes!
These flags are part of the downtown America 250 DeKalb pieces, saluting our country and our veterans. The City also added:
• Red, white, and blue flowers downtown,
• Red, white, and blue hanging flower baskets on light poles,
• New American flag lamppost banners along downtown streets,
• Patriotic bunting, and
• Red, white, and blue lights in the Van Buer Plaza trees and along Locust Street, DeKalb’s Honorary Veterans Way.
Public Works was also honored to hang the DeKalb American Legion’s renewed Hometown Hero banners. Congratulations to the Legion on this successful program honoring DeKalb’s heroes!
DeKalb Police
Chief David Byrd and other sworn officers are wearing commemorative America 250 badges this year.
Chamber Local Showcase
The local America250 celebration kicked off at the Local Showcase on April 23 hosted by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at the NIU Convocation Center. This meaningful moment featured a presentation of the colors by the DeKalb American Legion Color Guard, followed by Diana Johnson’s performance of the National Anthem and a God Bless America sing-a-long.
Kickoff Tree Planting
Volunteers planted 16 trees on April 21 to kick off DeKalb Township's 250 Trees for Tomorrow campaign. After being planted in their new home at Elder Care Services, the trees were named: Liberty, Fred, Barbara, Felipe, Princess Bell, Rosie, Harry, Lincoln, Junie, Jessica Elizabeth, Maryland, June, Snowbird, DeKalb, Jean & Alayna.
Volunteer Fair
America 250 DeKalb spirit was on display at the Volunteer Fair held by the DeKalb Leadership Academy at the Egyptian Theatre in April. Safe Passage was one of the groups that showed they're proudly patriotic.
Artemis II
Just as we’re commemorating America’s founding here in DeKalb, the crew of Artemis II did the same during their journey around the moon and back. An America250 flag was proudly displayed in their capsule. We salute these heroes for their courage to pursue new frontiers!
GI Jams
The Liberty 250 Theater, located within the Culture Event Space of the RTW Veteran Center, came alive with the sounds of live jazz and community collaboration on April 2.
The evening marked the official launch of GI Jams, a dynamic music initiative created by Professor Roosevelt Griffin III, Professor of Jazz at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Originally developed through the Griffin Institute for Performing Arts in the southern suburbs of Chicago, GI Jams is designed to give young musicians the opportunity to perform alongside more advanced students and professional artists in a live setting.
The opening session featured talented musicians from NIU as well as local high schools, including DeKalb and Sycamore, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for performers and attendees alike.
GI Jams sessions are free and open to the public, and the community is encouraged to attend and support these rising artists. The next session will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
📍 Location:
RTW Veteran Center
854 West Lincoln Highway (Junction Plaza, next to the Cotton Club)
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
The Liberty 250 Theater was made possible through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors who contributed their time, skills, and financial support over the past several months. Their collective effort continues to bring impactful cultural programming to DeKalb County.
The RTW Veteran Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, committed to serving veterans, their families, and the broader community through education, culture, and empowerment initiatives. For more information, please call 815-517-1094 or visit the center during operating hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The evening marked the official launch of GI Jams, a dynamic music initiative created by Professor Roosevelt Griffin III, Professor of Jazz at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Originally developed through the Griffin Institute for Performing Arts in the southern suburbs of Chicago, GI Jams is designed to give young musicians the opportunity to perform alongside more advanced students and professional artists in a live setting.
The opening session featured talented musicians from NIU as well as local high schools, including DeKalb and Sycamore, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for performers and attendees alike.
GI Jams sessions are free and open to the public, and the community is encouraged to attend and support these rising artists. The next session will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
📍 Location:
RTW Veteran Center
854 West Lincoln Highway (Junction Plaza, next to the Cotton Club)
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
The Liberty 250 Theater was made possible through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors who contributed their time, skills, and financial support over the past several months. Their collective effort continues to bring impactful cultural programming to DeKalb County.
The RTW Veteran Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, committed to serving veterans, their families, and the broader community through education, culture, and empowerment initiatives. For more information, please call 815-517-1094 or visit the center during operating hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DeKalb Police
DeKalb Police are showing off their American pride. Squad cars have been outfitted with the America 250 DeKalb logo and flag.
DeKalb Public Transit
DeKalb Public Transit is encouraging the community to join the America 250 DeKalb celebration. Signs for the local initiative will appear on the sides of DeKalb buses throughout 2026.
Business Directory & Area Guide
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is celebrating America's founding, making "From Independence to Innovation" the theme of this year's Business Directory and Visitors Guide. The annual publication includes a beautiful layout on America 250 DeKalb.
Pinewood Derby
Patriotism - America 250 was the theme of Cub Scout Pack 131's Pinewood Derby on March 15. Several cars were decorated to represent American pride.
Pinewood Derby
Patriotism - America 250 was the theme of Cub Scout Pack 131's Pinewood Derby on March 15. Several cars were decorated to represent American pride.
Pinewood Derby
Several members of Cub Scout Pack 131 decorated their cars to represent American pride for their annual Pinewood Derby on March 15. The Scouts would break out in a chant of USA! whenever a patriotic themed car would race.
Free Veteran Breakfasts
On March 15, this couple enjoyed the delicious offer being offered at the DeKalb Moose Lodge. Military veterans and active duty members can eat free at the Lodge's breakfast buffet on third Sunday of each month through 2026. Thank you, DeKalb Moose!
March Meeting
Doc Habeel shared some of the America 250 DeKalb products being created to offer manufacturing training at the Remaking the World Veterans Center.
Pack 131 Leads Pledge
The DeKalb City Council was honored to have DeKalb Cub Scout Pack 131 lead the Pledge of Allegiance on Feb, 23, 2026. The Scouts are perfect ambassadors for America 250 DeKalb, inspiring community pride and honoring our nation’s legacy through their enthusiasm, service, and dedication!
USA250 Tour
In December, the Glidden Homestead had a special visit from Own the Road with Kelli & Bob, a radio show and podcast that is currently producing a special limited series called “The USA250 Tour.” They have selected only ONE story of profound national significance from each state to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary— and for Illinois, they chose the Glidden Homestead and our barbed wire story!
February Meeting
The February meeting of the America 250 DeKalb committee included a discussed of possible events to plan as a group. Several partner organizations also announced long lists of activities they are planning.
Blood Donation Challenge
DeKalb American Legion Post #66 Commander Manny Olalde did his part to help the community reach 250 gallons of donated blood this year! His donation was made during a blood drive at the DeKalb Public Library on Jan. 27 that raise 4 1/2 gallons.
Be a local hero by joining forces with the DeKalb American Legio #66, DeKalb Elks Lodge No. 765 and the City of DeKalb, as we attempt to raise 250 gallons of blood donations through the Red Cross! We are eager to set the standard for saving lives. We working diligently with the Red Cross to schedule the ongoing events throughout the year.
The Red Cross is currently facing a severe blood shortage. Blood donors are needed now! It only takes about 10 minutes to save a life! You can donate what you want, including any of the following; plasma, platelets, power red donation, or whole blood donation. Our donations will help so many lives both locally and nationwide!
Help support a very noble cause and celebrate America's 250th birthday by saving lives!
Be a local hero by joining forces with the DeKalb American Legio #66, DeKalb Elks Lodge No. 765 and the City of DeKalb, as we attempt to raise 250 gallons of blood donations through the Red Cross! We are eager to set the standard for saving lives. We working diligently with the Red Cross to schedule the ongoing events throughout the year.
The Red Cross is currently facing a severe blood shortage. Blood donors are needed now! It only takes about 10 minutes to save a life! You can donate what you want, including any of the following; plasma, platelets, power red donation, or whole blood donation. Our donations will help so many lives both locally and nationwide!
Help support a very noble cause and celebrate America's 250th birthday by saving lives!
January Meeting
The onedekalb.org website was unveiled at the January meeting of the America 250 DeKalb committee held at the DeKalb Public Library. The website will be a one-stop shop for information on the initiative and help DeKalb area organizations promote their events.
Kick Off, Sept. 11, 2025
Mayor Cohen Barnes spoke to organizations from across DeKalb as collaborative planning kicked off for America 250 DeKalb. The kick-off was organized for Sept. 11, since a goal of the America 250 DeKalb initiative is to inspire the same type of unity that was seen in America as the country recovered from the 2001 terrorist attacks. The event at the Egyptian Theatre included a brainstorming sessions on on how the groups can work together to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
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