Published on July 21, 2026 | Staten Island Advance | Written by Carol Ann Benanti
City Councilman Frank Morano, center, and Senator Andrew Lanza, center right, are joined by a huge crowd at the Conference House Park for “Stars, Stripes & Staten Island: America 250 Celebration.”
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Thousands of Staten Islanders last week attended “Stars, Stripes & Staten Island: America 250 Celebration,” a free community-wide event commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Hosted by City Councilmember Frank Morano, the evening featured live entertainment, food trucks and a spectacular waterfront fireworks display.
The crowd enjoys the vast array of entertainment.
A fireworks show capped the celebration.
Held at the site of the only Peace Conference of the American Revolution conducted on American soil, the celebration brought together families, veterans, elected officials, community organizations and local businesses for an evening to honor America’s past, while looking ahead toward its future.
The American flag is displayed prominently.
Members of the Tottenville High School Marching Band perform for the crowd.
On tap were performances by members of the Tottenville High School Marching Band, the local band Painless Project, the Staten Island Philharmonic. There were also family-friendly activities, historical exhibits, local vendors, and patriotic displays, including a giant American flag suspended over Hylan Boulevard.
Girl Scouts display a large American flag during the celebration.
City Councilman Frank Morano, scouts and friends are shown at the ceremonial sealing of the America 250: Staten Island Time Capsule.
The centerpiece of the patriotic display, however, was the ceremonial sealing of the “America 250: Staten Island Time Capsule,” which contains letters, photographs, keepsakes and video messages submitted by members of the community. It will remain sealed until America’s tricentennial celebration in 2076. The capsule included a cap stone, which was donated by the Hall family, owners of Halls Monuments in Pleasant Plains. The time capsule will be sealed inside a brick and concrete well created by Life Scout Vincenzo Marando, who is building the box as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Joe “Preach” Meizllik is shown with City Councilmember Frank Morano.
City Councilmember Frank Morano celebrares with his son Carmine.
“It was incredibly moving to see so many Staten Islanders come together to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday at such a historic location,” said Morano. “America’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and freedom, and this event reminded us that preserving those ideals is a responsibility shared by every generation.”
Young attendees help paint patriotic pictures.
Morano acknowledged the myriad volunteers, performers, vendors, community organizations, and public officials whose support made the celebration possible.
Event sponsors who supported the event include the New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, The Conference House Association, NYC Parks and businesses and organizations that invested in honoring America’s 250th birthday.
“This celebration would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, who stepped up to help create a memorable event for families across Staten Island,” Morano added. “Their commitment to our community and our country’s history is deeply appreciated.”
‘Awe inspiring’
State Sen. Andrew Lanza, who joined Morano in placing items into the time capsule, said the ceremony was especially meaningful given Conference House’s role in Revolutionary War history. Calling the event “awe inspiring,” he credited Morano and organizers for bringing hundreds of Staten Islanders together to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Massimo DiDonna, chairman of the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, said his organization was proud to partner on the event and described the large turnout as a reflection of Staten Island’s patriotism.
Life Scout Vincenzo Marando said his Eagle Scout project to recreate the historic well at Conference House will help visitors better visualize the property’s history while providing a lasting benefit to the community.
Angela Edwards, of Crossroads Unlimited, praised Morano and his staff for organizing one of the best community events she has attended, noting the large crowds, entertainment, food trucks and fireworks.
Olivia Fuchs, of Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue, said the event provided an opportunity to showcase the organization’s work while highlighting the compassion that defines Staten Island.
Juliana Palazzolo-Pellicane, founder of Lou’s Helping Hand Foundation, called the celebration “heartwarming” and said it reflected the strong sense of community that has long defined Staten Island.
Gary Lane, vice president of the Battle of Brooklyn Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, said the group contributed a letter to future generations, a commemorative coin and photographs of young members to the time capsule.
