John Adams, an American Founding Father, and the second President of the United States, predicted how Americans would spend our future Independence Days when he wrote to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776, the day after the Second Continental Congress made its decree for freedom: " I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." The next day, Congress formally adopted the Declaration, sounding the bell at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Pen would not actually be put to paper until August 2, but six long years of struggle for independence had begun.
In New Jersey we are fortunate to be able to celebrate our independence on hallowed ground, the Crossroads of the Revolution, where so many crucial moments in the war took place.
For 130 consecutive years, the Declaration of Independence has been read on Independence Day at the 20-acre park operated by the Washington Campground Association at 1761 Middlebrook Rd., in Bridgewater. The park commemorates the two major Continental Army encampments at Middlebrook, in spring of 1777, and winter of 1778-79. It is here that the first American flag was unfurled, and where a 13-Star Betsy Ross flag flies continuously by special act of Congress. The solemn Independence Day Ceremony there, well-attended by dignitaries, consists of a changing of the 13-star flag and the reading of the Declaration, followed by a keynote speaker and an historical address.
Washington Camp Ground, 1761 Middlebrook Rd., Bridgewater
At Morristown National Historical Park, the July Fourth celebration feature a variety of activities, including the promotion of Junior Ranger Programs and interactive demonstrations by reenactors from the 2nd New Jersey regiment. Visitors can join in singing soldier songs from the era, explore period-correct tents displaying what soldiers would have carried with them, and learn about the daily lives of soldiers during the Revolutionary War. These activities will be followed by the reading of the Declaration at 1pm. Free Admission. Washington's Headquarters, 30 Washington Pl..
As for "shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations", the Somerset County Park Commission holds an Independence Day Family Festival at North Branch Park, in Bridgewater. The free annual event offers children's entertainers and activities, including horse rides, moonwalk, giant slide, magic show, sing-alongs, and cartoon characters. Other activities include stage performers and Revolutionary period groups. The festivities culminate with fireworks at 9:30.
Long-time followers of New Jersey "illuminations" will tell you that the fireworks at the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club are hard to beat, especially if you've got a view from a boat. More fireworks over water are known to occur at Mountain Lake in Warren County.
