Hawaii America250 Commission sets July 8, 2026, for Americans around the world to orate Declaration of Independence at same time.
State America250 commissions are moving forward with projects to mark the nations 250th birthday, with some encouraging participation from across the country and around the world.
The Hawaii America250 Commission has initiated and is coordinating , an effort to get Americans around the world to read the Declaration of Independence aloud on July 8, 2026, at the same time.
According to the website, Just as the Declaration of Independence was read to the people on July 8, 1776, now, 250 years later, Americans in all 50 states, 5 territories, the District of Columbia, and Minor Outlying Islands of the United States will read the Declaration together.
America, as a whole, stretches today over 9,500 miles from the Caribbean Sea across North America to the western edge of the Pacific Ocean and through 10 time zones. The idea is that starting at 6 p.m. EDT (commemorating the first public reading in Philadelphia, although that was at around noon), people and groups in communities around the world will read the Declaration aloud. Commission Chair Peter T. Young constructed a of corresponding locations/time zones, consistent local start times and timekeeping. It is just one of several resources on the projects website, which also includes a map of confirmed locations; the text of and contexts on the Declaration; high-resolution documents from the National Archives; and a post card and QR code to share with others.
As of Nov. 19, 34 locations in 20 states and territories have shared their plans to participate. Young commented, Some organizations have some kind of program (some have a single reader, typically at a government building, others are looking to arrange for readings in their libraries, etc.). However, this is not a contest, and you dont need a formal program so dont overanalyze it or overestimate the demands to do something. Having individuals, families and workplaces reading together is a great idea. He is reaching out beyond the state commissions to fraternal organizations, VSOs, etc. to participate in what he called a unified, positive, significant moment for the United States.
Legion Family units can sign up to put themselves on the map . By , American Legion departments and posts are encouraged to connect with their state and local America250 commissions. An online directory is available to contact these commissions at . Share your stories of involvement on .
- USA250