Reading of the Declaration of Independence

This year our national holiday occurs on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Join fellow citizens at 9:00 A.M. at the Blue Star Memorial on the grounds of the Portsmouth Free Public Library to read aloud portions of our nation’s founding document, the Declaration of Independence, adopted unanimously by a fledgling Congress 250 years ago on July 4, 1776. Copies will be available or you may bring your own. We welcome families--children are encouraged to read a passage. In case of rain we will meet inside the library in the Mello Program Room.
Please provide your own chair or blanket and dress for the weather. Some participants like to wear red, white and blue for the occasion. By about 9:30, you will be on your way to parades and cookouts and other celebrations of the day.