Sponsored by:
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USAA is launching a nationwide effort to honor the service members, veterans and military families whose sacrifices helped make this milestone possible. Through community events across the nation and right here in San Antonio, the company will celebrate the enduring connection between military service and the freedoms Americans have enjoyed for nearly two and a half centuries.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a moment to recognize the service members who wrote our history,” said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, head of corporate impact at USAA. “With 80,000 active-duty personnel and 90,000 veterans in Greater San Antonio, we are reminded daily that our freedoms were earned by those in uniform. We are proud to honor their service during this historic milestone.”
Celebrating 250 years of service and freedom
USAA is bringing communities together to celebrate service members past and present through special programming centered on community, sacrifice and giving back.
USAA’s history has long reflected that of the military members and families it serves. From supporting members overseas during World War II to expanding eligibility to enlisted personnel in 1995, the company has evolved alongside the military community while remaining steadfast in its commitment to those who serve. Supporting those who serve has been at the heart of USAA’s mission for more than a century, making the nation’s 250th anniversary a natural opportunity to recognize the enduring contributions of the military community to the nation’s story.
Proudly known as “Military City, USA,” San Antonio represents one of the nation’s strongest connections to the armed forces. It is also central to USAA’s identity, from its founding roots to its workforce and member base. USAA’s local festivities reflect that deep connection, bringing together celebration, recognition and service in ways that honor the military community while strengthening the city itself.
Stars & Stripes on Houston Street
A major highlight of the local festivities is the Stars & Stripes on Houston Street celebration on July 4. As part of the On Houston Street series, alongside Holidays on Houston Street, the event was created to activate one of San Antonio’s most historic corridors with experiences that bring Independence Day celebrations back to the heart of downtown.
Now in its third year, Stars & Stripes has grown into downtown San Antonio’s signature Fourth of July celebration, bringing the community together for a full day of family-friendly fun in the heart of Military City, USA. USAA is the presenting sponsor of the event, which is hosted by the City of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio and Visit San Antonio.
This year, the celebration returns bigger than ever for America’s 250th birthday with all-new experiences. Festivities include the inaugural Downtown 5K, an Independence Day Parade and a Music & Food Festival. The day will culminate with the Downtown Spectacular fireworks display at Civic Park at Hemisfair, marking the return of downtown fireworks for the Fourth of July for the first time in more than a decade and the first Independence Day fireworks display at Civic Park.
Community engagement and giving back
Beyond the Fourth of July, USAA is sponsoring a San Antonio Missions Minor League Baseball game on July 1 as part of a broader national initiative spanning approximately 15 cities. The game will feature military recognition moments, including the “Hero of the Game” program, which shares the stories of service members and veterans in meaningful and personal ways. To expand access, USAA is offering complimentary tickets to active-duty service members, veterans, and USAA members.
USAA employees are also actively volunteering across San Antonio, reinforcing the belief that honoring service means serving others. This includes participating in initiatives such as Gold Star Gamers, which supports Gold Star families, and the Warrior Games, where wounded, ill and injured service members demonstrate resilience and recovery through sport. USAA continues its work with Soldiers’ Angels, an organization deeply rooted in San Antonio that provides critical resources to service members, veterans and their families.
Additionally, employees will take part in a July 1 volunteer effort supporting Haven for Hope, a local homeless shelter, in partnership with Leadership San Antonio and other community organizations. They will also participate in a backpack distribution event with Operation Homefront to support military children and families.
“In San Antonio, service is not an abstract idea; it is woven into the fabric of our city’s identity and daily life,” said Saucedo-Herrera. “We invite the entire community to join us this summer — from the ballpark to the heart of downtown — as we come together to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, give back to our neighbors, and express our deepest gratitude to those who have served.”
