1 Nation Unveils Sunshine State 250 Showdown Winners at American Legion National Convention

Seven Florida American Legion Posts recognized for rallying their communities around America's 250th Anniversary

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 Nation, a national nonprofit dedicated to building common ground across America, announced the winners of the Sunshine State 250 Showdown during a presentation before The American Legion's Americanism Commission at the organization's National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The statewide contest was announced earlier this year in partnership with The American Legion, Department of Florida to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The contest received significant interest, with 76 American Legion Posts across Florida competing to build their own community events around America's 250th birthday.

First place went to Post 103 in Punta Gorda. Rather than compete with the fireworks display the city already holds each July 4th, the Post hosted its own event on Flag Day culminating in a drone light show over Laishley Park that drew several thousand residents along with the mayor, local civic and veterans' organizations, and media coverage.

Second place went to Post 402 in Panama City Beach for a Pier Park parade with founding father reenactors and a memorial ceremony at Aaron Bessant Park, and third place went to Post 9 in Jacksonville for Boots on the Ground, one of the largest single community activations of the program that raised money for several honorable causes. Four additional Posts were also recognized for the effort and creativity they brought to their own communities including: Post 157 in Margate, Post 252 in Seminole, Post 54 in Fernandina Beach, and Post 224 in Madison.

"Watching Florida's American Legion Posts answer this call has been a great honor," stated 1 Nation President Charles Fowler. "Men and women who already served our nation nobly stepped forward yet again to rally their communities around a mutual love of our country on this historic 250th milestone."

The winners were unveiled before Legion leadership from across the country during the Americanism Commission's meeting at the National Convention, where each Post was recognized for its role in honoring America's 250th anniversary. The total prize pool exceeds $20,000 in the form of significant Post improvements and mission-aligned upgrades.

About 1 Nation

1 Nation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening civic identity, reducing polarization, and bringing Americans together through service, education, and community engagement.

SOURCE 1 Nation