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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will hold ceremonies at 16 locations nationwide this weekend to recognize 49 veterans of the American Revolutionary War , as the United States continues commemorations marking its 250th anniversary.
The events are scheduled for 10 a.m. local time on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at VA national cemeteries and VA-managed soldiers lots within private cemeteries. Fifteen states host cemeteries that will be holding events.
The date was chosen to coincide with the 250th anniversary of August 2, 1776, when most delegates signed the Declaration of Independence . The document had been formally adopted by the Continental Congress nearly a month earlier, on July 4.
The declaration stated that the 13 colonies no longer accepted British rule. It set out the principle that people have rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and argued that governments receive their authority from the people. It also detailed complaints against King George III.
" 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."
The Revolutionary War began in 1775, before independence was formally declared, and continued until 1783. The colonies challenged British policies involving taxation, representation and imperial authority.
France and other European powers later aided the American cause. Britain formally recognized the United States as an independent nation under the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war in 1783.
VA officials said the ceremonies are open to the public unless otherwise noted by individual cemeteries. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking and seating. Many locations will feature ceremonial wreath-laying, remarks from VA and community leaders, and military honors recognizing the Revolutionary War veterans interred at each site. Attendees should check with their local VA national cemetery for any location-specific guidance, weather updates, or schedule changes.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Robinson and James Debens
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