In Freehold, A July 4th Reading Of Declaration Of Independence

FREEHOLD, NJ — While most folks are content with celebrating the Fourth of July by watching bombs bursting in air and singing along to patriotic music, in Freehold, there's an added twist to the annual marking of the birth of these United States: the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The annual reading of the document that notified the British we would no long accept their government as the rule of law in the colonies has been held in Freehold for about 15 years. (Patch captured the 2011 event in photos.)

The 2018 reading is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on the steps of Borough Hall in Freehold, 51 West Main St.

Residents are invited to join in and read a portion of the document; anyone who would like to participate is asked to arrive at 8:30 a.m. and you will be provided with a copy.

After the Declaration is read, the fire bell will then be struck 50 times to commemorate each state, the flag will be raised, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be recited.

Photo by Jaclyn Corley, from Patch files