The Declaration of Independence was written more than 250 years ago, but it is far from forgotten as Merrick residents, U.S. veterans and elected officials gathered at the Merrick Avenue Gazebo on July 4 for a public reading honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Attendees took turns reading passages from pamphlets provided by State Sen. Steven Rhoads, reflecting on the document that declared the American colonies’ independence from Great Britain in 1776.
“America’s 250th anniversary is incredibly special,” Rhoads said. “But when you listen to the words of our founders, you’re really getting inside the history of the foundations of America.”
As the famous opening words of the Declaration were read, veterans, local officials, families and children recited the passages together.
For Merrick resident Chari Baker, the Declaration of Independence remains the foundation of the freedoms and privileges Americans enjoy today.
“Two hundred fifty years of freedom and prosperity ... Everybody should just love this country, and it’s a privilege. It’s not a right, it’s a privilege,” Baker said.
The Merrick Community Civic Association organized the event in partnership with Rhoads’ office.
Berta Weinstein, president of the Merrick Community Civic Association, said she is a first-generation American. For Weinstein, the public reading of the Declaration was more than a reminder of America’s freedoms; it was a nod to the sacrifices made by previous generations of Americans.
“It’s important for the community to know that we still should be grateful for being in a country and a land that gives us the freedom of rights that we as individuals have worked hard to establish,” Weinstein said.
Local officials, including Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Schneider, Nassau County Legislator Michael Giangregorio and Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, joined residents in reading portions of the Declaration. Children also participated, underscoring the importance of passing the nation’s history to the next generation.
For Merrick resident Terri Pinto, involving young children was one of the event’s most meaningful moments.
“Kids really don’t know enough about the history of where they live ... there’s so much history right here in Merrick,” Pinto said.
Rhoads said America’s success stems from its longstanding emphasis on freedom.
“We have provided our welcoming, freedom to think ... to live ... to dream ... to hope ... to advance ... to achieve; that’s special in the history of the world,” Rhoads said. “And that’s something that should be celebrated.”
Meanwhile, Barnum Woods resident Bruce Kozlowski believes America’s success lies in the ideas written in its founding documents.
“The fact that we have existed for 250 years, and thank God we have what we have in this country,” Kozlowski said. “We have to see that all the tenets of the Constitution are supported and all the people who have come here, all the immigrants, have been the strength of this country, always.”
The United States is marking its 250th anniversary, and organizers said they hope events like the July 4 reading encourage residents of all ages to reflect on the nation’s history and the values that continue to shape its future.
