Two local children stand with an America 250 cake topper donated by Frosted Bliss Bakery in Toledo. PHOTO BY MICHAEL STARS AND STRIPES AND POLKA DOTS DAVIS

Patriotic music, historic portrayals, cultural performances, and reflections on local history filled the Tama County Courthouse square Sunday afternoon as community members gathered to celebrate Flag Day and the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States.

The event, organized by an anonymous committee, served as a local observance of the nationwide America 250 initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Cat Campbell Currier played music before the event began, setting both a patriotic and colonial mood as attendees arrived. Some came to the lawn after a showing of the documentary “After Ike” which played at the Wieting.

During the program, many were invited to participate, with children parading around the square with flags, as the Tri-County Community Band blasted marches. The band played several historic marches, most famously John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” often referred to as the nation’s march.

During the duration of the ceremony, being held on the newly renovated bandstand, several speakers added to the event, some notably in costume.

During the ceremony, the pledge of allegiance brought the crowd on their feet with their hands on their hearts.

Jim Roan, dressed as George Washington, reminded the crowd of where we have come from.

“As we celebrate 250 years of the United States, we honor the generations of Iowans, including the sons and daughters of Tama County, who died in service to our great country,” Roan said.

Roan connected the nation’s history to Tama County’s own development, reflecting on the county’s founding in 1843 and the generations who built communities throughout the area.

Roan honored communities in Tama County that both prosper and no longer exist. Those communities include: Tama, Toledo, Dysart, Sheridan, Haven, Meskwaki Nation, Traer, Helena, Chelsea, Butlerville, Buckingham, Montour, Gladbrook, Monticello, Garwin, Cultier, Elberon, Badger Hill, Lincoln, and Vining.

Members of American Legion Post No. 73 and VFW Post 6607 participated in the ceremony, presenting the nation’s flag, with one of the most touching moments coming during a flag-folding demonstration led by 12-year-old LeRoy Betz. Assisted by his uncle, Charlie Betz, and cousin, Ed Hemby, Betz carefully folded the flag while Cat Campbell Currier read “The 13 Folds,” describing the importance behind each fold as the group performed each fold.

Liz Placancia shows off vibrant hispanic cultural dancing with her group she leads.

There were many group singing opportunities throughout the celebration, with Danny Robinson the Mayor of Tama, introducing the songs to the crowd before the likes of You’re a Grand Ole Flag, My Country Tis of Thee, America the Beautiful, This Land is Your Land.

Mary Fasse-Shaw made an appearance dressed as Thomas Jefferson and read some of the grievances sent to the king from Jefferson’s time.

Later in the event saw Hispanic cultural dancing led by Liz Placencia. Performing on North Broadway, dancers provided a visual reminder of the many cultures that continue to contribute to the American story and the story of Tama County.

The program concluded with more music provided by the community band, the singing of Happy Birthday to honor America’s approaching birthday, and cake and ice cream donated to the event.

Jim Roan, in the likeness of George Washington, reads a speech honoring Tama County and America.