MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The City of Meridian officially dedicated the America 250 Commemorative Guitar on Tuesday, recognizing the handcrafted instrument as an official commemorative civic artifact of the city.
Created in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the one-of-a-kind guitar was designed to celebrate Meridian’s longstanding musical heritage and its role in America’s cultural history.
City officials said every element of the instrument was intentionally crafted to reflect the community’s history, identity and pride.
The project was brought to life by master luthier Lee Santillano and Dan Confait and the team at DC Guitars, whose craftsmanship transformed the concept into a finished commemorative piece.
The city also recognized Mayor Percy Bland, the Meridian City Council and Chief Administrative Officer Craig Hitt for their support of the project and efforts to preserve a lasting symbol of Meridian’s contribution to the nation’s story.
Officials said plans are underway to create a permanent public display for the guitar, allowing residents and visitors to view the commemorative artifact for years to come.
The dedication is part of Meridian’s participation in the nationwide America 250 initiative, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Meridian has embraced the campaign by highlighting the city’s musical legacy and its place in American history under the theme, “Where Music Meets Momentum.”
