Trumbull to host July 4 Declaration of Independence reading

TRUMBULL — Trumbull residents can celebrate the USA and Trumbull Sunday as the town will once again mark the spirit of Independence Day with a community reading of the Declaration of Independence July 4 at 10 a. m. The event takes place on the steps of Town Hall.

Members of Trumbull High School’s We the People team and other volunteers will take turns reading passages, while local scout troops will serve as color guards.

First Selectwoman Vicki Tesoro said it’s important for residents to remember the real meaning of Independence Day.

“It's just a good way for people to, especially after what we've been through for the last year, to come together and celebrate our country's freedom,” Tesoro said.

Visitors are encouraged to wear Colonial- era clothing in the spirit of the occasion.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the initial Declaration reading on July 4, and the event has steadily grown in popularity from a few friends standing in a circle to several hundred participants last year at the height of the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Mary Isaac, a District 1 member of the town council, said that the event has become an established event of its own in town.

“The event was started in order to show fellow residents that the words of the Declaration still resonate centuries later,” she said.

This year, with event founder Pam Disko unable to participate, town officials decided to go ahead with the reading anyway, especially because this year it happens to coincide with the second day of Trumbull Day.

“She wasn't able to do it this year and our arts coordinator had just recently resigned, so we figured let's see what we could pull together and still offer it,” Isaac said. “It's a great tie- in with all the events going on in Trumbull with the Fourth of July and Trumbull Day.”

With the event being outdoors, rain will cancel the reading. Isaac said those who attend are encouraged to maintain social distance. Masks are optional, especially for those who are not vaccinated, she said.

The event will be recorded by Trumbull Community Television for later broadcast.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Residents celebrate the Independence Day holiday by attending a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of Trumbull Town Hall on July 4, 2020. After the reading a vote count was held by people in attendance to recreate the adoption of the document by the Continental Congress’ vote on July 4, 1776.