Sly the horse and his rider Olivia of Foreluck Farms in Atlantic Highlands, deliver the Declaration of Independence to Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- On the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth, June 28, Monmouth County officials launched the “America250 Monmouth NJ” Committee outside the Hall of Records in Freehold Borough with residents, visitors, and local officials in attendance.

Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, Esq. and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone are proud to serve as Chair and Co-Chair of this committee, that will begin to generate awareness and coordinate activities leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Monmouth County Officials (from left to right): Prosecutor, Raymond S. Santiago, Commissioner Director, Thomas A. Arnone, Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch, Commissioner Susan M. Kiley, Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, Clerk Christine G. Hanlon, Esq.

This years-long initiative will not only celebrate America’s historic milestone, but also the significant role that Monmouth County played in the fight for independence and its rich history over the past 250 years.

The location for the announcement was fitting as the historic Hall of Records building was the courthouse during Battle of Monmouth, and served as a temporary hospital for injured troops while the battle drew on a few miles away.

The event hosted guests, including: The RockNRoll Chorus, comprised of students from Howell High School, who sang the National Anthem, “God Bless America”, and the “Monmouth County Song”; Julia Sienna, who sang “God Bless the U.S.A.”; Revolutionary War reenactors from the Ogden’s 1st New Jersey Regiment; Sly the horse and his rider Olivia Geniton of Foreluck Farm in Atlantic Highlands, who delivered the Declaration of Independence to the podium.

 The event also featured a reading of the preamble to the Declaration of Independence by County Commissioner Director Arnone, Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, Commissioner Susan M. Kiley, Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch, and Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.

“America’s 250th Anniversary is coming in 2026 – and Monmouth County will be ready!” said Committee Co-Chair, Commissioner Director Arnone. “New Jersey is known as the crossroads of the American Revolution, and Monmouth County has a rich history that’s instrumental to the independence and prosperity our nation enjoys today.”

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and Monmouth County Officials led the audience of more than 100 people in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

“In the almost 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Monmouth County has grown and flourished to be the ideal place to live, visit, work and play,” said Commissioner Director Arnone.

“2026 may seem like a long way off, but we are excited to embark on the journey toward this momentous event,” said Committee Chair, Clerk Hanlon. “Over the coming years, we will work to coordinate with our national, state, and local governments, as well as our historical organizations and businesses, our cultural and creative industry partners, and all who wish to participate.”

For more photos from the event, please view the photo album on the America 250 Monmouth NJ Committee’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/MonmouthNJ250.

A full video of the launch event can be seen on the Monmouth County Government’s Facebook and YouTube Channel.