top of page
A Chronicle of Our Commemorations
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.
bottom of page