The crowd gathered at the Vanderburgh County Civic Center watch vocalist Gina Moore perform “God Bless America,” a large waving American flag behind them, supported by Evansville Fire Department ladder trucks.
This Proclamation Ceremony on Wednesday July 1, is kicking off the July 4 celebrations.
Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry said as mayor, she wants to promote unity in 2026.
“This isn't about what divides us, because politics sometimes can get in the way of us really focusing on what matters most to people, and making sure that the lives of people are better in our communities and our cities all across the nation,” she said.
Before the proclamation, the ceremony included an opening prayer from Rev. Todd Robertson, and a pledge of allegiance led by city staff and elected officials who are veterans. They had a chance to name their branch of service.
This included Army veteran and City Councilor Mary Allen, who urges civic involvement.
“Democracy is not a perpetual motion machine that just continues on its own,” she said. “It requires us to show up. (We) can't afford to be bystanders. We must play an active role in engaging in our communities, and by standing up for principles that unite us, democracy is something we must fight for.”
The event included a brief history of the city’s contribution to previous war efforts and the proclamation that July 4, 2026 as America's 250th celebration day in the city of Evansville.
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