The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation Tuesday recognizing America250, the nationwide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

• Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel presented the proclamation during the Jan. 20 meeting, with members of local patriotic organizations in attendance, including the West Florida Daughters of the American Revolution, the Choctawhatchee Bay chapter of the DAR, the Emerald Coast chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and costumed reenactors portraying Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross.

“We’re so blessed to be able to have a public forum like this,” Ketchel said before reading the proclamation. “I’m so patriotic. Many of you know that I have many ancestors who fought for the American Revolution. I love this country dearly.”

America250 is the official nonpartisan initiative established to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026. The initiative encourages communities to reflect on the nation’s history, honor contributions of all Americans, and inspire civic participation.

• The proclamation notes the commemoration period extends from the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in 2023 through the 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris signing in 2033.

The proclamation also highlights Florida’s history, noting the state became a U.S. territory in 1821 and was admitted to the Union as the 27th state on March 3, 1845.

Commissioner Drew Palmer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.