Editor, Gazette-Journal:

As chairman of the Mathews VA250 Committee, I would like to introduce our committee and to advise you of the exciting and developing plans for the 2026 celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday.

The Virginia General Assembly created the VA250 Commission to coordinate commemorations of the 250th celebration. The website (VA250.org) includes an inspiring mission statement that emphasizes the unifying, inclusive, and historical goals of the 250th.

VA250 encouraged the formation of countywide 250th committees to organize local events. In December 2022, the Mathews Board of Supervisors authorized formation of a local committee and subsequently appointed 17 members. More information can be found at www.mathewscountyva.gov/427/Mathews-County-Va250-Committee.

Mathews VA250 is actively planning a number of celebratory events, including annual patriotic music concerts on the Court House green in May, a speaker series highlighting the Revolution in Virginia ...