America 250 Event Held at Richard Lindsey Arena Brings Students, Leaders, and Community Together
CENTRE — The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce hosted an America 250 commemorative event on May 5 at 9 a.m. at Richard Lindsey Arena, bringing together Cherokee County Schools students, educators, elected officials, and community members for a program focused on the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The event opened with a welcome from Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Mike Welsh, who addressed students in attendance and emphasized the significance of America 250. Welsh encouraged students to take part in the national celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, highlighting their role in preserving and honoring American history.
Entertainment was provided by the Jacksonville State University jazz band, which performed both before and after the program. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presented the colors to open the ceremony. Following the presentation of colors, attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Jacksonville State University jazz band performed the National Anthem.
A blessing was delivered by Superintendent Welsh.
Probate Judge Tim Burgess also addressed the audience, recognizing elected officials in attendance and setting the stage for the featured presentation. Burgess then introduced keynote speaker US Air Force Major General Eric Crabtree (Ret.).
Crabtree, a former F-4 weapons system officer and career Air Force staff officer, is a command pilot with nearly 5,000 flight hours and resides in Leesburg, Alabama. He spoke to attendees about the historical significance of the United States’ 250-year journey, reflecting on the nation as relatively young in global terms while emphasizing its historical impact and development.
His presentation traced key periods in American history, beginning with early settlement and the revolutionary era. He referenced the desire for self-governance that led to the Declaration of Independence and noted the role of early Americans, including farmers, businessmen, and settlers, who fought in the Revolutionary War despite lacking formal military training. He also highlighted the creation of the U.S. Constitution and its continued role as the foundation of American law.
Crabtree continued with discussion of westward expansion, including the Louisiana Purchase, and the national challenges leading up to the Civil War. He described the Civil War era as a defining and difficult period that tested national unity, followed by Reconstruction and efforts to rebuild relationships between regions.
He further addressed the Industrial Revolution, the rise of major cities, and the growth of the national population, followed by America’s involvement in World War I as its first major overseas military deployment. He spoke about the Great Depression following the 1929 stock market crash, the recovery period leading into World War II, and the nation’s entry into modern global leadership after the war.
Crabtree also referenced later conflicts including Korea and Vietnam, as well as the country’s economic expansion and technological advancement. He spoke about personal military experiences and shared a story of a Marine who viewed personal sacrifice in service to the country as a meaningful commitment to American ideals.
He highlighted advancements in technology and medicine, noting how dramatically life has changed within a single lifetime and projecting that future generations will witness even greater innovation. Furthermore, he referenced historical change within families, including his grandmother’s lifetime transition from horse-drawn transportation to automobiles, airplanes, and space travel, drawing parallels to future developments yet to come.
Crabtree emphasized that the United States remains a nation with strong foundations and continued potential for growth, encouraging students to recognize both its history and future possibilities before concluding his remarks.
Following the keynote address, Lee Ann Lockridge introduced the Jacksonville State University jazz band for a patriotic musical tribute. The band performed the Armed Forces Medley, during which veterans in attendance were recognized and asked to stand as their respective service branch songs were played.
Joy Perry offered remarks of appreciation to veterans before introducing guest speaker Peter Leavitt, also known as “Peter the Patriot.”
Leavitt, an Alabama resident and homeschooled student, developed a strong interest in American history during his high school years. His academic work included a history fair project focused on the Second Amendment and the Constitution’s Bill of Rights. He credited his interest in the Founding Fathers and early American history, as well as their religious influences, as shaping his perspective on patriotism.
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Leavitt’s public engagement in historical and patriotic presentations began with appearances at community events, including patriotic holidays at local shopping centers. In 2015, he publicly read the Declaration of Independence at First Friday in downtown Gadsden. Since then, he has delivered presentations on American patriotism in a variety of settings, including schools, retirement communities, veterans’ organizations, car shows, reenactments, churches, and civic events. He also serves on the Alabama Republican State Executive Committee.
During the program, Leavitt read the Declaration of Independence and spoke on the symbolism of the American flag, as students in attendance waved flags during the presentation. He also discussed the meaning of patriotism and its historical and biblical influences, referencing American leaders and foundational principles. His remarks concluded with a standing ovation from those in attendance.
The event closed with additional musical selections from the Jacksonville State University jazz band as attendees exited the arena.
