Masuk Free Press

On July 4th, 2026, the United States of America will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Town of Monroe First Selectman Terrence P. Rooney said, “ [It means] the beginning of America. The beginning of our freedoms. The beginning of the rights we have every single day under a country that’s free. The right of freedom of expression. The right of freedom of speech. That’s what this all means to me. This is the foundation of how we live and why we decided to become America.” The United States of America signed the Declaration of Independence to separate from the tyranny under the British crown. 

The event, which took place on Saturday October 18th, 2025, started off with Chairperson Nicole Cignoli announcing the other members of the Monroe, CT 250 council. Cignoli also noted the other important attendees, such as Representative Tony Scott, who represents the Town of Monroe, along with parts of Easton and Trumbull in the 112th district.

Next, 2 members of Girl Scouts troop 34001 raised the America National 250 trademark flag. “It was fun, how we got to raise the flag,” said Cece McAndrew, one of the Girl Scouts. McAndrew also gave the Pledge of Allegiance. 

After the Pledge, Masuk students Will Barret, Ava Alves, Jenny Velky, and Ryan Sokira performed the Star Spangled Banner. 

Rooney then proclaimed the participation of the Town of Monroe in the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “In 2016, the United States Congress, established by a joint resolution, the America 250 commission to encourage observance of the 250 years of independence.” First Selectman Rooney said. The semiquincentennial (250th) will bring economic development, historic preservation, and outdoor recreation to the community. All 169 municipalities in Connecticut will participate in commemorating the anniversary. The Town of Monroe encourages residents to participate in the programs to commemorate the history of our state. “I, Terrance P. Rooney, First Selectman of the Town of Monroe, hereby proclaim that we fully engage in commemorative activities, leading up to and during July 4th, 2026.”

 

Local restaurant, Monroe Social, donated cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate as refreshments for attendees. Monroe Social owner, Constantin Crama, said, “I’m really happy to be part of this ceremony. It’s been a pleasure, and it’s amazing to be part of this ceremony.” 

“It’s a beautiful day and a great kickoff to this great celebration,” said attendee Amanda McAndrew. 

After the event ended, Superintendent of Monroe Public Schools, Joe Kobza, said, “I was talking to Ms. Cignoli (chairperson of the Monroe 250 committee) right before the event. She said that she has a number of activities that the library is going to participate in. She’s looking to have us join them in some of those,” Kobza also said. “Every year, we do a celebration of reading in all of the elementary schools. We have a bunch of community volunteers that go into each school. This year, the theme is the semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary. That will probably be our first kickoff activity to celebrate the 250th.” 

First Selectman Rooney and Cignoli also shared what the town of Monroe can expect to see later to celebrate the semiquincentennial. “The Monroe CT 250 committee is looking at the beginning event of the proclamation, and the end event in May, probably in Wolfe Park. We don’t know exactly what it will look like yet.” Cignoli said. First Selectman Rooney also said, “This is the first event of a series. They will be released as they decide to do that.”

The proclamation of the 250th anniversary of the United States is just the beginning of the celebration. The upcoming events for the semiquincentennial will be sure to not disappoint!