MONROE, Conn. — The words of the leaders of North America’s original 13 colonies calling for independence from the rule of the English crown came to life on the Monroe Center Green Wednesday evening, when members of Monroe’s CT 250 Committee took turns reading portions of the Declaration of Independence.
A crowd gathered around the town gazebo to hear a reading of the historic document from 1776, which marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War that made the United States a sovereign nation.
The event celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary concluded with a ringing of bells by nearby churches, including St. Peter’s Grace Episcopal, Monroe Congregational and Good Shepherd Lutheran. Bells chimed 13 times, with one ring for each of the original 13 colonies.
First Selectman Terry Rooney reflected upon 1776, when Monroe was still part of New Stratford — 47 years away from being incorporated as a town.
“There were no paved roads, no streetlights, no cars, and no Town Hall,” Rooney said. “Instead, there were dirt roads winding through thick forests, small family farms, and neighbors traveling by horseback or wagon.”
He spoke of the community of farmers, who visited the local sawmill for lumber and a gristmill to have their grain be ground into flour or cornmeal
Rooney then noted how far the country has come since its founding.
“This year, as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we honor not only the famous names we learned about in history books, but also the everyday people who lived right here in the area that would one day become Monroe,” he said from a podium inside the gazebo. “Their hard work, resilience, and belief in the promise of freedom, helped lay the foundation for the Monroe community we cherish today.”
Among the local dignitaries who attended the event were State Sen. Jason Perillo, R-21st, Rep. Tony Scott, R-Monroe, Superintendent Joseph Kobza, Assistant Superintendent Sheila Casinelli, former first selectman Ken Kellogg and Monroe Board of Education Chairman Dennis Condon.
The first selectman thanked all of the volunteers who made Monroe’s CT250 events possible, including Library Director Nicole Cignoli, the Monroe Department of Public Works, and CT250 Committee Members: Kevin Daly, Sue DeGeorge, Maritta Pavetta, Aaron McGoldrick, Ray Giovanni and Dona-Lyn Wales.
Wednesday evening’s event was emceed by Cignoli and the “Star Spangled Banner” was sung by the Masuk High School Quartet of Ava Alves, Jenny Velky and Ryan Sokira. The fourth member is Will Barrett.
Refreshments were provided by Little Kernal’s Kettle Korn.
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