The Declaration of Independence was first read to the people on July 8, 1776.
On the 250th anniversary of that event, beginning at 6 pm EDT, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, people in communities across America - in all 50 States, D.C., and territories from the Caribbean to the western Pacific - will read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’
The event in D.C. is being organized by the Sons of the American Revolution with cooperation from the National Park Service and the Military District of Washington, and will take place at an especially appropriate place – under the watchful eyes of Thomas Jefferson on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial. You are invited to come help read, or just attend and watch! The program is free of charge and open to the public, beginning at 5:30 with the presentation of the Colors by a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard, and we hope, a short performance by the U. S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
The premise of “Sharing the Spirit of America” is simple - the simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence across the country, with Americans reading the document ‘together’ at the ‘same’ time.
The American spirit, principles, and values memorialized 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence hold true today.
The truths that were self-evident then remain valid today, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” as are the personal and collective responsibilities we share in protecting and perpetuating these values.
Unlike the extent of the Colonies in 1776, today America spans about 9,500 miles from one extreme to the other. Even though the United States is spread across thousands of miles and ten different time zones, all of us in America may read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’, at the ‘same’ time.
This is a great unifying program for all Americans, wherever we are. And it certainly includes and links us to the 250th Anniversary of the United States, the approval of the Declaration of Independence.
Please join other Americans across the country in a unified, positive, significant moment.