In Freehold, Fourth Of July Celebration Goes To USA's Roots

FREEHOLD, NJ — While lots of towns break out the fireworks and the flags to celebrate the Fourth of July, that celebration of America's independence has a decidedly different approach in Freehold.

Beginning about 9 a.m., residents gathered on the steps at Freehold's Borough Hall will take part in the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Residents are invited to join in and help read the document that set in motion the separation of the United States of America from the British Empire.

After the Declaration of Indpendence is read, the fire bell will be rung 50 times — one time for each state in the United States. The Stars and Stripes will be raised, followed by the recitation of the pledge of allegiance, borough officials have said.

Residents who would like to participate in reading the Declaration of Independence are asked to arrive at Borough Hall, 51 W. Main St., by 8:30 a.m.

If you're looking for fireworks, Freehold Raceway will host a fireworks display on Sunday, July 2, and Freehold Township will celebrate in patriotic fashion as it marks Freehold Township Day on July 8 at Michael J. Tighe Park, 62 Georgia Road. There is a car show at 2 p.m. and Freehold Township Day festivities begin at 4 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article gave the wrong date for the Freehold Raceway fireworks.

Declaration of Independence, by Josh Hallett, via Flickr, under Creative Commons license