THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR
Mission 250 Schedule
Sunday, July 12, 2026 | Tuscan Village | Salem, NH
FREE Admission • Family Friendly • 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join us for an afternoon and evening celebrating America's 250th Birthday while honoring the men and women who have served our nation. From military demonstrations and live entertainment to family activities and inspiring presentations, there's something for everyone.
2:00 PM – Event Opens
MISSION 250 officially opens with a welcome at Lake Park.
Activities
Dunk A SEAL (2:30–4:30 PM)
Classic pre-1970 car show (through 4:45 PM)
Patriotic crafts including beads, flags, and dog tags
Face painting
Balloon twisting
360° Photo Booth
Mission 250 Fitness Challenge at Drive Custom Fit (3:00–5:00 PM)
Horses from Blue Sky Equestrian Stables (2:00 - 5:00 PM)
Exhibits & Booths
Explore unique exhibits, meet inspiring guests, and learn more about organizations serving Veterans and First Responders.
Captain Nick Children's Book
Meet Gold Star Mother Susan Losapio, author of Captain Nick, a heartfelt children's book honoring the life and legacy of her son, Captain Nicholas Losapio.
I'm Okay, If You're Okay: The Chris AuCoin Story
Meet author Jennifer Vaughn along with Brent and Paula AuCoin, parents of Chris AuCoin. Learn how Chris's powerful story is helping raise awareness for PTSD, mental health, and the challenges faced by Veterans and first responders. Jennifer will have copies of I'm Okay, If You're Okay: The Chris AuCoin Story available, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Swim With A Mission. Click here to learn more and purchase a copy of the book.
Virtual Wall of Honor & Remembrance
Honor someone who has served by adding the name of a Veteran or Active Duty Service Member to our Virtual Wall of Honor & Remembrance.
Fight With A Mission
Meet professional MMA fighter Calvin Kattar and learn about the upcoming Fight With A Mission event.
Veteran Service Organizations
Visit nearly 40 Veteran Service Organizations to discover resources, programs, and services available for Veterans, active-duty military members, and their families.
2:15 PM – Student Essay Recognition
Celebrate our Mission 250 Student Essay participants as they are recognized on stage. Essay participants will receive a commemorative challenge coin and have the opportunity to take a group photo with the Navy SEALs.
2:30 PM – Military & First Responder Fitness Challenge
Watch members of the military branches, police departments, and fire departments compete to see who can complete the most pull-ups and push-ups in one minute.
Location - Grass in front of main stage
3:00 PM – Mission 250 Fitness Challenge
Think you have what it takes?
The public is invited to compete in pull-up and push-up competitions divided into age groups. Younger children can also participate in fun fitness activities designed just for them.
Location - Drive Custom Fit 12 Via Toscana, Salem, NH
3:00 PM – Author Interviews
Hear inspiring conversations with special guests throughout the afternoon.
3:00–3:15 PM: Jennifer Vaughn and the AuCoin family
Jennifer Vaughn will discuss her new book I'm Okay If You're Okay: The Chris AuCoin Story
3:15–3:30 PM: Veteran Service Organizations (VSO’s)
Hear from some of the Veteran Service Organizations working hard to provide resources, programs, and services for Veterans, active-duty military members, and their families.
3:30 PM – Kids PT with the Navy SEALs
Kids are invited to join the Navy SEALs for an interactive fitness session full of fun, movement, and teamwork.
4:00PM
Interview Navy SEAL Ty Bathurst and Annie Yatch
4:15 PM – Navy SEAL K9 Demonstration
Don't miss one of the day's most exciting attractions as Navy SEAL working dogs demonstrate their incredible skills and training.
Location - Grass in front of main stage
4:40 PM – Featured Interview
Hear from professional MMA fighter Calvin Kattar about Fight With A Mission and his support of Veterans.
4:45 PM – Parade of Cars
Enjoy a parade featuring the classic vehicles from the Mission 250 car show.
5:00 PM – Main Patriotic Ceremony & Demonstrations
Join us for our signature ceremony honoring America's heroes.
The ceremony includes:
Welcome from Swim With A Mission
Color Guard
Pledge of Allegiance led by Medal of Honor Recipient Michael Thornton
Remarks from Service Credit Union
Recognition of the Mission 250 Student Essay Contest Winner
Remarks from Governor Kelly Ayotte
Remarks from Major General David Mikolaities
National Anthem
Military and First Responder demonstrations featuring Navy Special Missions, Manchester Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, and Salem Police Department
Evening Entertainment
6:00–9:00 PM
Finding Molly performs 3 live sets.
6:50–7:05 PM
Featured interview (to be announced).
7:55–8:10 PM
Special performance by The Singing Vets.
9:00 PM – Fireworks Finale
We conclude Mission 250 with a spectacular fireworks display over Tuscan Village as we thank our sponsors, volunteers, Veterans, active-duty military members, First Responders, and everyone who joined us for this special celebration.
Please Note: The Mission 250 schedule, demonstrations, guest appearances, and interview times are subject to change.
A huge thank you to Technical Tree Services, who will be flying a giant American flag high above Mission 250! Keep an eye out for this spectacular display!
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A huge thank you to Technical Tree Services, who will be flying a giant American flag high above Mission 250! Keep an eye out for this spectacular display! -
Volunteer at Mission 250
We are currently seeking volunteers to help make this special event a success. We’re looking for:
High school students ages 17–18 seeking volunteer/community service opportunities
Companies and employee groups interested in giving back through community service
If you or your organization would like to get involved, please email Christina Wright at cwright@swam.org for more information.
Thank you to our 2026 Presenting Sponsor!

