Each year, members of the Trenton community gather together to commemorate the moment that the Declaration of Independence was read in Trenton for the very first time. Outside of Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was written, Trenton was only the second place that this vital document was ever declared to the public. On June 8th, 1776, Trentonians of yesteryear gathered together to hear the foundational doctrine of our nation. Now, 248 years later, Trentonians and visitors have gathered once again to recreate a moment which fundamentally transformed our community forever. With local leaders, advocates, and residents ready to take the stage, the reading of the Declaration was a heartfelt highlight of our city’s history, community, and diversity.

In his remarks, Mayor of Trenton, W. Reed Gusciora, noted “Every time I walk past this mural [of the reading of the Declaration of Independence], I am awestruck that we really were at the crossroads of the Revolution 250 years ago. In 2026, we will be celebrating our semiquincentennial, and we hope that Trenton will once again be center field for that celebration.” Continuing, he shared “Every year it seems to get bigger and bigger and we attract more and more people. This is such an important document, and I really am grateful for everyone who’s taking part.”

Per Michael McCormick, President of the Kiwanis Club of Trenton, “These are challenging times – an argument could be made that the issues and challenges that we face as a nation today rise indeed to the level of those faced by those 248 years ago, the folks who are depicted on that mural behind us. What’s significant is that we are here today, and then we remember the energy, the fortitude, and the determination that came from those words spoken 248 years ago. Our nation will go on with us with our strength and with our fortitude today. And so, on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Trenton, thank you so much for coming out on this very hot day, and for joining us for this program. We hope that you go forth with a renewed spirit and determination in your own lives and in the work that you must do.”

The afternoon’s festivities included speeches, a communal reading of the Declaration of Independence, the presentation of our city and nation’s flags, and of course, rousing renditions of patriotic song to set the mood and delight the senses as anticipation grew for this important afternoon. Guests of all ages, clapped, cheered, and sang along as the community gathered together to celebrate one of the most vital moments in our nation’s history. We have much in common with those same folks gathered almost 250 years ago, and it is through their tenacity and courage that we may be inspired to fearlessly lead our country to its next chapter.

This program was presented by the Kiwanis Club of Trenton, in collaboration with the City of Trenton’s Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture. For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Trenton, please visit their website here: Kiwanis Club of Trenton. You can also follow along with the club on Facebook, linked here: Kiwanis Trenton – FB. Meanwhile, residents can learn more about the City of Trenton’s Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture on the Trenton, NJ website, linked here: Dept. of Rec. – Trenton.

Celebrating Trenton’s history is not just a glimpse at our past, but a vibrant step forward on the path to our future. This beloved tradition continues to stir the hearts of visitors from near and far, and we are elated to see this annual reading persevere for the next generation of Trentonians.

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