As communities across Long Island prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, two patriotic events in Brookhaven are set to honor the nation’s history while bringing residents together for education, entertainment and community pride.
Leading the celebration is AMAC’s “Bootcamp for Patriots,” scheduled for Saturday, June 20, from noon to 5 p.m. at the America First Warehouse, located at 90 13th Avenue in Ronkonkoma.
Organizers describe the event as an inspiring afternoon focused on patriotism and America’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebration.
The program will feature speakers including Rebecca Weber and John Solomon, patriotic presentations and appearances by the Freedom Truck mobile museum, an immersive traveling exhibit highlighting key moments in American history.
The event will also include an America 250 vendor village, commemorative swag bags for the first 250 attendees and family-friendly activities. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at amac.us/bootcamp. Organizers noted that seating is limited, though all ages are welcome to attend.
A week earlier, on Saturday, June 13, Veterans Park in Selden will host “America 250 Across the 4th LD” from 1 to 5:30 p.m.
The free community celebration is presented by the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Brookhaven Town Parks.
Residents can attend at no cost and enjoy historical reenactments, colonial-era exhibits, food trucks, vendors, a touch-a-truck display, student art showcases and live music by Southbound beginning at 7 p.m.
A centerpiece of the event will be the unveiling of the Hometown Heroes Veterans Wall, an Eagle Scout project created by Matthew Keraga in collaboration with Boy Scouts Troop 229.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said the event reflects the pride and patriotism of the local community.
“It’s going to be one of the biggest patriotic events of the summer,” Panico said.