🗽 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Kentucky — July 29, 2026 — What if freedom shines brightest through love in action—one life lifted, one family strengthened, one community transformed?
As the nation celebrates the 250th Anniversary of American Independence and we remember the prayers, sacrifices, courage, and dreams that carried our nation forward, and recommit to freedom, opportunity, courage, and service, one Northern Kentucky family reminds us that patriotism is compassion in motion, sacrifice honored through action, and service offered with love.
This year, U.S. Marine Veteran Larry Owen and 3x commissioned Kentucky Colonel Serena Owen were nominated and named Mr. & Mrs. Elsmere Juneteenth for decades of leadership, faith, education, civic engagement, and community impact.
America’s promise began in 1776, while Juneteenth marks 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free. Together, they remind us freedom belongs to everyone and must be lived through action.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Larry and Serena Owen remind us that freedom flourishes when people serve and help one another,” said Erlanger Councilwoman Renee Wilson. “Their faith, sacrifice, compassion, and service have strengthened schools, supported veterans, mentored youth, uplifted families, and inspired neighbors to lead.”
For decades, the Owens have transformed lives through mentoring, scholarships, veteran support, church service, food security, civic engagement, Community Heroes recognitions, and opportunities for future generations.
🎖️ Larry Owen, a United States Marine Corps veteran, continued serving as an educator, church Deacon, mentor, volunteer, and the first African American elected as a Kenton County Conservation Board Supervisor.
⭐ Serena Owen, Kentucky Colonel, educator, Missionary, Deaconess, humanitarian, mentor, advocate, and the first African American woman elected as both an Elsmere City Councilwoman and Erlanger-Elsmere School Board member, has devoted her life to empowering youth and families.
🦅 America 250: A Time to Reflect and to Serve
AmeriCorps reports more than 75 million Americans volunteer each year, contributing service valued at over $167 billion while strengthening communities and improving volunteers’ well-being and social connection.
The Owen family believes America’s next 250 years depend on citizens choosing to serve.
“Freedom is one of God’s greatest gifts,” said Serena Owen. “In obedience to God’s command, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ Matthew 22:39, we honor those who sacrificed before us by serving our neighbors today and creating opportunities for future generations.”
Larry Owen added, “Every generation is called to protect freedom, whether in uniform, classrooms, churches, neighborhoods, or community organizations. Every act of service strengthens America.”
Ways Everyone Can Honor America250
Larry & Serena Owen encourage everyone to honor America250 through service:
• Volunteer in a school, house of worship, or community organization.
• Mentor a child or young adult.
• Support veterans, military families, and first responders.
• Serve groups like Special Olympics, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, or Boys & Girls Clubs.
• Join clean-up projects, donate food, support nonprofits, vote, learn history, build bridges, help/not harm others, and serve as a family.
🕊️ A Legacy That Continues
As America celebrates 250 years of independence, Larry and Serena Owen remind us that freedom is strengthened through service, protected through sacrifice, and expanded through compassion.
A Call to the Commonwealth and Country
Congratulations to the countless volunteers, including the 250 Community Heroes and Outstanding Service Providers the Owen family has honored since 2000, whose kindness strengthens communities every day. Nominate a Hero here today! https://forms.gle/jebswmovUbvaBJVT7
As we commemorate America250, may everyone answer the question posed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “What are you doing for others?”
May we answer with service.
May we honor our ancestors with action.
May we leave a legacy of freedom, unity, opportunity, and love.
Because the next chapter of America’s story begins with each of us.
References
America250. About America250. https://america250.org/about-america250/
National Museum of African American History and Culture. The historical legacy of Juneteenth. Smithsonian Institution. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth
U.S. Census Bureau. (2024, November 19). New U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps research tracks virtual volunteering for first time. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2024/11/civic-engagement-and-volunteerism.html
