Morris County is inviting Rockaway Borough and Rockaway Township residents to take part in a week of events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence from July 2 to July 8, 2026.
The commemoration spans the key dates of 1776. July 2 marks the day the Second Continental Congress voted to separate the 13 colonies from Great Britain, and July 8 marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was first read publicly in Philadelphia.
The week opens July 2 with the “Light to Unite” campaign, when the historic Morris County Courthouse and other county buildings will be lit in red, white and blue. Residents, businesses and organizations across all 39 county towns, Rockaway included, are asked to light their homes, storefronts and landmarks in patriotic colors and share photos using the hashtag #njlighttounite.
On July 8, Morris County will join “Sharing the Spirit of America,” a synchronized reading of the Declaration of Independence happening across all 50 states at exactly 6 p.m. County leaders, including the Board of County Commissioners, will read it on the lawn of the historic Morris County Courthouse at 56 Washington Street in Morristown.
“As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are proud to commemorate the extraordinary week in 1776 when independence from Great Britain was approved on July 2, the Declaration was adopted on July 4 and its words were first shared publicly on July 8,” said Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw.
Local groups, civic organizations and veteran halls are encouraged to host their own 6 p.m. readings. Rockaway residents can find the full list of 250th events across Morris County at the county’s 250th anniversary events calendar.
