California Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez Leads State Capitols First-Ever America 250 Celebration

On a crisp July morning, Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez—Marine Corps veteran and one of only five veterans in the California Legislature—took to the Capitol steps to unveil a landmark plan: a first‑ever state‑wide celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

Representing the 36th Assembly district in southeastern California, Gonzalez outlined a ceremony that will light the Capitol rotunda in red, white and blue, feature a military fly‑over, and showcase a medley of patriotic music. The event is slated for Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. military time, a nod to the nation’s armed forces and a reminder of the sacrifices that underpin the celebration.

Gonzalez’s own journey began at age 19 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Over 21 years of service, he completed four combat tours—two in Iraq and two in Afghanistan—and took on diplomatic assignments in Honduras and the Czech Republic. He also accompanied the Secretary of State on tours of Africa and Europe. During that time, he witnessed the loss of ten Marines to suicide and narrowly avoided becoming the eleventh. He has said that his faith helped him survive that experience, a perspective that later led him to become a pastor and small‑business owner before entering public office.

In the Legislature, Gonzalez co‑founded the California Legislative Veterans Caucus, a bipartisan group that includes Senators Tom Umberg, David Archuletta, Caroline Menjivar and Shannon Grove. The caucus—described by Gonzalez as “a small group of advocates that come together to stand up, speak out, educate and empower”—seeks to represent the interests of veterans, military personnel and their families. He emphasized that the caucus’s bipartisan nature mirrors the unity he experienced in the Marines. “In the military, we believe in being united. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what branch you’re from. We all have a unified goal to achieve the mission,” he said. He added that he and Senator Menjivar, a fellow Marine, work together across party lines.

When asked why he organized the Capitol celebration, Gonzalez noted that no official plan existed for a state‑level America 250 event. “I gathered my team and decided we would light the rotunda red, white and blue—something that had never been done before,” he said. The event will also feature a fly‑over and a performance by a local band, adding a community‑centric touch to the ceremony.

The celebration is part of California’s broader participation in the nation’s 250th‑anniversary observances. The state, the fourth largest economy in the country, has been encouraging residents to reflect on the country’s history and look forward to the next 250 years. Gonzalez urged Californians to “slow down, be thankful for the blessings we have and avoid division.” He cited his father’s immigration from Oaxaca, Mexico, as an example of the diverse roots that contribute to the state’s identity.

The Assemblyman concluded that the Legislature and its constituents have an obligation to use the anniversary as an opportunity to improve America. He called on residents to join him in making California and the nation better. The event will take place at the California Capitol in Sacramento, a venue that has hosted many historic moments but, according to Gonzalez, had never before lit its rotunda in the colors of the American flag.

Gonzalez’s initiative highlights the role of veterans in state politics and underscores California’s commitment to honoring the nation’s founding while addressing contemporary challenges.