Hear The Declaration of Independence In Sussex County On July 4th

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — Rain or shine for several years, a group of Sussex County friends have organized a yearly Declaration of Independence reading in Newton’s Green on July 4 itself, with the latest happening on Sunday at 10 a.m.

Even COVID-19 didn’t stop it in 2020 said Brenda Aldi, a spokesperson from the group, though attendance was much lighter than in past years, she said, because she heard people were afraid to come out due to the virus.

This year though, the event is rising again in Newton's Square with its usual lineup of volunteer participants organizing and hosting it, Aldi said.

The square is a significant spot, because before he was the first President of the United States, General George Washington rode through it and visited the courthouse that serves as part of backdrop to the reading. While the present historic Sussex County Court House stands at that site, the one previously where Washington walked, rose up from the ground in 1765. After that building's interior was decimated in an 1841 fire, construction began on the current-day building, with pieces salvaged from the one that Washington had entered.

Washington also had dinner at the home of his Assistant Deputy Quartermaster General Thomas Anderson. Anderson’s home was relocated from the square up the street almost a century later, long after Anderson died in 1805; and many years after Washington’s documented visits to Newton in 1780 and 1782.

The Schiller Institute Choir is coming up from Bergen County to sing some patriotic musical tributes at Sunday's event. The Pledge of Allegiance and prayer round out the gathering, before the Declaration of Independence is read.

Aldi described the event as “non-political” and “family-friendly.” Attendees are encouraged to bring their American Flags, dress in patriotic apparel or colonial costumes; or if they’re members of the military, in uniform.

Re-enactment groups are additionally welcome to come, with that a usual highlight, though with the rapid change in COVID restrictions, there may only be some re-enactors at the event as observers, Aldi said.

The event is free but donations are welcome, which help to support the purchase of pocket Constitutions they give out. The group also makes donations to local veterans’ groups, Aldi said; and has helped to purchase American Flags for schools.

Aldi said they were surprised to learn one unnamed school in the region doesn't have U.S. Flags in their classrooms.

Volunteering for this event, Aldi said, is important to she and others among the group of friends, as they said young people especially, don’t always have the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the National Anthem, get to see the American Flag in their classrooms or read founding documents like the Declaration of Independence.

“Kids don’t always learn this stuff in school,” Aldi said.

She and the group plan to continue the patriotic tradition in the future, she said; and are already beginning to prepare for the 2022 celebration.

Read more here about American Revolutionary sites in Newton.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at jennifer.miller@patch.com.