The bipartisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission is encouraging Americans to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary not only with fireworks and concerts, but also through volunteerism and charitable giving, Commissioner Lynn Young said Thursday as America 250 events kicked off nationwide.

Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Young said years of planning for the historic milestone have culminated in a nationwide celebration designed to unite Americans and reflect on both the country's past and future.

"What I'm most looking forward to is for the whole nation to celebrate this milestone anniversary," Young said. "We have nonpartisan plans and a commission and lots of events that we're planning, including America's Block Party in Los Angeles and other cities."

She highlighted several signature events marking the beginning of the celebration, including a special Times Square ceremony.

"We're doing a big ball drop at One Times Square tonight with not one, but eight balls, representing the eight different time zones of the United States," Young said.

Young also promoted a new nationwide charitable initiative.

"We're launching America Gives and our Giving Fourth, in which we're encouraging Americans to give to your favorite cause and make this a day of giving," she said. "Giving of yourself and your resources to your favorite charity as well."

The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to lead the official bipartisan commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary. Working alongside its nonprofit partner, America250.org, the commission has coordinated celebrations across all 50 states and U.S. territories leading up to Independence Day.

Young said the emphasis on service reflects her longstanding commitment to volunteerism, including her previous leadership of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

"Well, I have a heart for service, and I believe strongly that it's our responsibility as Americans to give back," she said. "If we're so fortunate to live in this country, we've been blessed, and it's an opportunity for us to give back in our communities and to our favorite causes."

"And whichever way best fits us," she added.

Young also discussed one of the commission's most symbolic projects, a national time capsule that will be buried in Philadelphia.

"This time capsule is quite a masterpiece," she said. "It will actually be buried in Philadelphia tomorrow."

She said the capsule was assembled in accordance with federal legislation.

"According to the legislation, [it] includes items from all 56 states and territories, as well as all three branches of government," Young said. "It has a lot of information from our programs as well. So it has a little bit of everything in there."

The capsule is intended to remain sealed for another quarter millennium.

"But according to the law, it will not be opened until 2276," Young said.

Asked about its contents, Young said each state and territory selected items representing its own history.

"Each state sent whatever they thought was important," she said. "Ohio sent a bit of cloth from the flag from the Wright brothers."

"I know Texas is sending one of our historical maps when we were part of Spain," she added. "You'll find we'll have a whole list on the website at America250.org, but you will find many different items in there."

Young also noted that the capsule contains digital copies of America's founding documents.

"We also have digital images of the founding documents," she said. "I'm not sure if it's a thumb drive or what it is, but in 250 years, when they open that time capsule, I imagine they're going to wonder what it is."

Beyond ceremonies in Washington, Young encouraged Americans to participate in celebrations taking place across the country.

"One of the big things that we're doing is America's Block Party," she said. "We're inviting all Americans to watch it on our website or on our app, our mobile app as well."

"It's a family-friendly concert, and it will feature military and will honor those as well," Young said. "But it will also feature our kickoff for Giving Fourth and encourage you to give to a cause that's near and dear to your heart."

As celebrations officially began, Young summed up the milestone with a birthday analogy.

"The birthday cake is ready," she said. "It's time to light the candles."

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