Spirit of Liberty Foundation kicks off America’s 250th at San Diego Air & Space Museum

Birthday party guests dressed up for the occasion. (Photo by Diana Garcia/San Diego Air & Space Museum)

Patriotism and a birthday cake as big as the nation’s legacy marked Monday’s debut of Celebrate America 250!, the yearlong observance of the United States’ 250th birthday, at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Hosted by Rancho Santa Fe-based Spirit of Liberty Foundation, the event’s backdrop included a reproduction of John Trumbull’s famous painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and 20-foot-tall “Heart of America” inflatable balloon to honor everyday heroes.

The ceremony featured remarks by a General George Washington reenactor and speech by San Diego State University history professor Edward Blum, who introduced the new George Washington Medal of Freedom.

“America’s 250th Birthday is important, but without George Washington’s leadership, and the Continental Army and the Patriots who defeated the then greatest military in the world – England – there would be no American Declaration of Independence,” said Richard Rovsek, chairman of the Spirit of Liberty Foundation. “We thank our Armed Forces from 1776 to today for keeping America and the world free!”

A George Washington reenactor speaking into a microphone — A George Washington reenactor delivers remarks about the birth of the nation. (Photo by Diana Garcia/San Diego Air & Space Museum)

Attendees witnessed the ringing of America’s Freedom Bell, which contains bronze and steel salvaged from the 9/11 Twin Towers, organizers said.

A military chaplain blessed the three-tiered America’s birthday cake decorated with portraits of the founding fathers topped with a bald eagle. The Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution cut the cake, with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts serving it to attendees.

Patriotic cake with a bald eagle, Declaration of Independence, and USA-themed decorations. — The cake was decorated with portraits of the founding fathers topped with a bald eagle. (Photo by Diana Garcia/San Diego Air & Space Museum)

“Celebrating America on its 250th year birthday is absolutely critical to remembering our excellence as a nation,” said Jim Kidrick, president & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. “Our past and our future are dependent on fulfilling the precepts and goals of a free nation, pursuing life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Accordingly, it’s time now to chart our future like no time before, ensuring the sanctity of our past and the joy of our future!”

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