Your Story is Part of Our Shared American Story

Parents and educators can set aside time with their school-aged children to explore how their families or communities are connected to military service, and why service members and their families matter to our nation. 

Students can participate by:

• Talking with a parent, caregiver, or trusted adult about their family’s connection to military service — past or present. 
• Recording a short video to submit to the BlueStar250 Stories library, sharing what they learned. 
  • Script to get started: “My name is <name> and my connection to military service is <short description or notable facts>. That is our BlueStar250 Story, I hope you share yours too.” 
  • Helpful tips: Mention branch of service, if known, share when or where someone served (war, mission, or time period, if comfortable),  include why you feel connection to military service is important for all Americans. 
• Connecting military family stories to U.S. history lessons or America’s 250th anniversary, inviting students to reflect on service, sacrifice, and community through writing prompts or art projects.
• Researching how military service has shaped your school’s town or region over time through local history preservation projects. 
• Encouraging community engagement by partnering with local veterans organizations or military family groups for guest speakers or service projects, hosting a BlueStar250 Story Day, or creating care packages for service members and veterans. 
• Acknowledging military-connected students and families with a special school shout-out on Military Family Appreciation Day.

Communities are where military families live, work, and put down roots. BlueStar250 invites local communities across the country to celebrate and honor America’s 250th birthday through shared stories and connection.

Communities can participate by:

• Joining us for Blue Star Welcome Week
  • Participating in Blue Star Families annual Blue Star Welcome Week, a special week to recognize and welcome military-connected families into their new neighborhoods.
• Attending America250 Celebrations
  • Incorporating BlueStar250 storytelling into America250 celebrations and parades.

American businesses play an important role in supporting military families and strengthening the communities where they live and work. In recognition of America’s 250th birthday, companies of all sizes can contribute to BlueStar250 in meaningful ways to honor military service.

Businesses can participate by:

• Recognizing veteran and military-connected employees, customers, or community members through internal communications or social media, and encouraging them to share or submit a BlueStar250 story.
• Partnering with a local Blue Star Families Chapter to support community programs or events, offer volunteer opportunities for employees to give back to military families, or sponsor an event.
• Donating to Blue Star Families to help strengthen military families today and for future generations. Businesses can offer to match employee donations or volunteer hours tied to BlueStar250 participation.
• Supporting BlueStar250 programming through sponsorship.