By Stephen Appezzato
FREEHOLD – Among a crowd of fairgoers, a patriotic atmosphere, a Revolutionary War-outfitted color guard and even a George Washington impersonator, Monmouth County kicked off the one-year countdown to America’s 250th anniversary last week at the 50th annual County Fair. The celebration marked the beginning of a year of events and celebrations leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“July 4, 2026, will mark the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone during the ceremony July 23. “In less than one year, America will celebrate its 250th birthday.”
“This document would change the world forever, founding a new nation based on individual rights, freedom and democracy,” he said.
The yearlong commemoration aims to bring the community together through educational programs, historical reflections and a wide range of public celebrations.
“There will be competitions, parades, fairs, festivals and so much more,” Arnone said. “It is our hope that every community, every organization, every resident, every visitor is part of this celebration,” he said.
At the event, officials reflected on Monmouth County’s deep Revolutionary War history, like the pivotal Battle of Monmouth, fought in nearby fields in June 1778.
“It’s hard to imagine that almost 250 years ago, right here in Monmouth County, people just like us gathered to listen to the reading of the Declaration of Independence, not knowing what the future held,” County Clerk Christine Hanlon said. Hanlon encouraged residents to use the America 250 commemoration not just for celebration but also as a period of education and engagement with local history.
“It’s even harder to imagine that the land around us was stained with blood during the biggest one-day battle of the Revolutionary War, where Gen. George Washington commanded the Continental Army against the British,” Arnone said, referring to the Battle of Monmouth in nearby Manalapan.
“The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect not only on our nation’s past, but the history created right here in Monmouth County,” Hanlon said. “Our celebration is not only focused on our past but also our future,” including “engaging our youth and learning, listening and loving our great country as we look ahead to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond,” she added.
Many consider New Jersey the “crossroads of the American Revolution.” In Monmouth County, numerous historical sites like Shrewsbury’s Allen House, Middletown’s Murray Farmhouse and even the Sandy Hook Lighthouse preserve a snapshot of American history.
For county prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, the anniversary is also a reminder of service, past and present. Santiago said the semiquincentennial “gives the opportunity to recognize the contributions of men and women in uniform” across American history.
Led by executive director Ted Maturo, celebrations over the next year are spearheaded by the MonmouthNJ 250 committee, which was set up in 2023 to coordinate celebrations and observances for America’s 250th and Monmouth County’s significance to the American Revolution, as well as the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present and future.
Residents can stay up-to-date with official celebrations and events over the next year through MonmouthNJ250.org.
The article originally appeared in the July 31 – August 6, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
