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Tustin plans June 25 "Tustin Celebrates America" 250th anniversary field of honor and dedications
Summary
Garrison Devine presented details for "Tustin Celebrates America," a two‑part 250th commemoration including a Field of Honor of 250 flags at Veterans Sports Park (June 25–July 5), a coastal live oak dedication with plaque, a keynote speaker from Chapman and community contests; flag dedications are free and available through the city's website.
Garrison Devine, an events organizer working with the city clerk’s office, told the Community Services Commission that the city will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a multi‑element observance beginning Thursday, June 25.
"I'm here to present today on Tustin Celebrates America," Devine said, outlining two core elements: a Field of Honor — a display of 250 American flags at Veterans Sports Park that will be open for public viewing June 25 through July 5 — and a permanent dedication, a coastal live oak with an interpretive plaque next to the Veterans Monument.
Devine described additional programming around the display: an art and essay contest with entries due June 11, performances by the Beckman High School marching band (expected to bring 30–40 members), food trucks, and short remarks by a keynote speaker identified as a Chapman professor, Skosin, whom Devine said is a direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin. Devine said flag dedications will be free and that the city will gift the dedicated flag to the honoree or family. Website and contact information for dedications was given as tustinca.org/dedicateflag or the city clerk's office email.
Why it matters: the event is both a short‑term public exhibit (the Field of Honor) and a longer‑term memorial (the live oak and plaque), providing residents a visible commemoration and multiple ways to participate, from submitting contest entries to dedicating a flag.
Commissioner questions focused on eligibility and outreach. Devine said the dedications are open to people with a Tustin affiliation (residents or those affiliated with Tustin) and described a multi‑department communications push that will include mailed postcards to the city’s notification list, facility posters, banners, social media, and a bulk mailing through the registration system. Staff also plan to use Peachjar to notify parents via local schools about the essay and art contests.
What’s next: commissioners encouraged early submission for dedications because demand is high (Devine reported about 40 flags already committed as of the morning of the meeting). Devine said detailed sign‑up information will be distributed through the city clerk’s office and the city event webpages.
