Residents gathered at the Rath Park gazebo for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, an annual community tradition hosted by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages that highlighted the nation’s founding principles as the United States prepared to mark its 250th anniversary this year.
Community members, local officials and civic leaders took turns reading portions of the historic document before an audience of families and residents who came together to mark Independence Day on July 2.
Members of the Franklin Square Historical Society added to the patriotic atmosphere by dressing in period attire for the occasion. They also invited attendees to sign commemorative sheets, which will be preserved in the society’s archives as a record of the community’s participation in the Independence Day program. Assistant Franklin Square Library Director James Pagano opened the program by reflecting on the history behind the Declaration of Independence and the significance of the public reading tradition.
“On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence inside the Pennsylvania State House, which is now Independence Hall in Philadelphia,” Pagano said. “Four days later, on July 8, the citizens of Philadelphia were summoned to the city house by the bells of the city at noon. Colonel John Nixon publicly read the Declaration of Independence for the first time.”
Among those who participated in the reading were Nassau County Judge Honorable Philippe Solages; Franklin Square School District Superintendent Dr. Jared T. Bloom; Christopher Crane; Frank Culmone, of the Franklin Square Civic Association; Adrienne McKenna, of the Franklin Square Library and Historical Society; Officer Skuggevik; Regina Agrusa; Lisa Viver; Juan Madrid, of Prince Umberto Pizzeria; and Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages.
“This is what democracy is all about,” Assemblywoman Solages said. “It’s so important that every year we’re reminded of these words, because freedom is not free. There are people — our veterans, our active military — who are sacrificing everything so that we can enjoy the freedoms of America.”
Following the reading, Tony Pugliese, Emilia Rosa and Miranda Vellon performed a rendition of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.”
Among those in attendance was Franklin Square resident Bill McCombs, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Anna, and their two children. McCombs said events like the Declaration reading help younger generations understand the significance of Independence Day, especially as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding.
“Yeah, it’s a big deal,” McCombs said celebrating Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary. “I like that we have the younger kids, and we can explain what it all means to them. They seem to be receptive to it.”
