Morris County invites public to ‘Light to Unite’ in red, white and blue for America’s 250th anniversary
MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — Morris County is encouraging residents, businesses, schools, houses of worship, community organizations and local governments to take part in the nationwide “Light to Unite” campaign celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Beginning July 2 and continuing through July 8, participants are encouraged to illuminate homes, businesses, public buildings and landmarks in red, white and blue and share photos on social media using #NJLightToUnite and @morriscountynj.
County officials said the celebration will begin at dusk on July 2, when the historic Morris County Courthouse and several other county facilities will be illuminated in patriotic colors.
“We hope everyone across Morris County will take part in this special celebration,” said Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw. “Whether you’re lighting the windows, doorstep, front porch or façade of your home or building, it’s a simple way to show your pride, honor our nation’s history and celebrate our Semiquincentennial together.”
County officials noted the campaign begins on July 2 because it marks the anniversary of the 1776 adoption of the Lee Resolution by the Second Continental Congress, formally declaring the 13 American colonies independent from Great Britain. Although the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, July 2 is considered by many historians to be the legal birthdate of American independence.
The campaign will conclude July 8 with Morris County joining communities across the country for a synchronized public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 6 p.m. EDT as part of the “Sharing the Spirit of America” initiative. The reading will take place on the lawn of the historic Morris County Courthouse in Morristown and will be livestreamed on the Morris County Facebook page.
County facilities that will be illuminated during the campaign include the Morris County Courthouse and Administration & Records Building in Morristown, the Law & Public Safety Complex and Morris County 9/11 Memorial in Parsippany-Troy Hills, the Veterans Services Office and Office of Temporary Assistance in Morris Township, the Morris County Library in Whippany and the Human Services Complex in Morris Plains.
The “Light to Unite” campaign is part of the nationwide observance of America’s Semiquincentennial, encouraging communities across the country to display civic pride through patriotic lighting.
More information about Morris County’s 250th anniversary events is available at morriscounty250.com.
