Shrewsbury Celebrates Fourth of July with Annual
Reading of Declaration of Independence
10 AUGUST 2021 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY LORI DRAZ
n a sunny Sunday morning, Americans woke up to celebrate the
nation’s 245th birthday. After a year off, the patriots of Shrewsbury
came together at 10 am at the historic Allen House to participate in
one of the area’s most charming and important celebrations, the annual
reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Conducted by the Monmouth County Historical Association, this
unique event is a spectacular way to start the holiday with the words and
the hope of the Declaration ringing out in voice.
The event began with the presentation of the colors by Boy Scout Troop
50. Next Rev. Lisa Mitchell of Christ Church led the convocation. Following
remarks by Linda Bricker, president of the MCHA, the church bells of Christ
Church peeled out announcing the freedoms about to be proclaimed. Also
who performed a moving rendition of the National Anthem.
Bricker reminded everyone of the Allen House’s history as a tavern
and a meeting place during the Revolutionary War, making this a
historically appropriate setting for this celebration. Typically, the Allen
House Tavern is open for tours, although this year, the tavern remained
closed for touring due to the restrictions still in place. Bricker encouraged
everyone to return to Allen House when it is open, and she invited everyone
to consider attending the association’s Tavernfest when it returns
Next, residents and guests of all ages lined up to read the Declaration.
Each read a paragraph, while an attentive crowd listened respectfully
to the words that shaped our nation. The reading concluded with
paragraph.
Guests were also invited to be like the forefathers and sign a copy of
the Declaration of Independence themselves.
The MCHA thanks everyone for attending. They send special thanks
to the Shrewsbury Towne- Monmouth Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution and their many sponsors, including Heritage House
Sotheby’s Realty – Amy Almasy and Kim Quigley; Monmouth Stereo for
-
ees, along with recognition to all the many people in public and military
service defending this nation’s freedoms.
/TheJournalNJ.com