Media Releases

PORT WENTWORTH, GA – March 26, 2026 – The City of Port Wentworth will host its 53rd annual Stand Up for America Day Parade and Festival on Saturday, April 25, to honor veterans and service members. This year, the celebratory events will include the first-ever gala on Wednesday, April 22. This inaugural gala will be held at the Savannah Convention Center at 1 International Drive, Savannah, Georgia, from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. Guests are invited to celebrate their pride in America and support local veterans by attending.

The inaugural Stand Up for America Day Gala will highlight organizations that support veterans, including American Gold Star Mothers Inc., Combat Boots 2 The Boardroom, and Tunnel to Towers Foundation. In addition, the Citizen of the Year and Community Champion of the Year will be recognized. Community members are invited to dress up and enjoy an evening of American pride. Guests can buy individual tickets for $75 each or a table for $1,200.

Port Wentworth takes pride in its strong connections to the military community, and this event highlights that identity. Through sponsorships and table participation, local businesses and industry partners can directly contribute to strengthening organizations that provide services, advocacy, and support for service members and their families. Local businesses and partners can participate in the gala in several ways: purchasing a table to host their leadership team, clients, or partners for the evening, or attend individually to support the mission. Business involvement not only shows visible support for those who serve but also reinforces the robust relationship between the military community and the private sector partners who help Port Wentworth succeed.

“Stand Up for America Day is more than a celebration,” said Mayor of the City of Port Wentworth, Tracy Saunders. “It is a longstanding community commitment to honoring the men and women who serve our nation, veterans, active-duty military, and the organizations that support them.”

The City of Port Wentworth held its first Stand Up for America Day on May 6, 1972, as a way to honor soldiers returning home from the Vietnam War with support from the community. The war was a divisive topic at the time and members of the city were looking for a way to show these service members they were appreciated. During the inaugural event, the streets of Port Wentworth were lined with red, white and blue bicycles, marching bands, floats and citizens waving the American flag high. 

Family, friends, residents and visitors are invited to join Port Wentworth’s annual celebration and enjoy a day dedicated to heroes – past and present.

Individuals may register for the gala at https://portwentworthga.gov/events-sufad/.

For more information on the City of Port Wentworth, please visit https://portwentworthga.gov.