“Sharing the Spirit of America” Historic Community Event. Patriotic Concert and Declaration of Independence Reading, July 8, 2026. |
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General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter Celebrates
America 250 with Historic Community Event
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The General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter welcomed more than 500 citizens to Connie Link Amphitheatre in Normal on July 8 for "Sharing the Spirit of America," commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Sponsored in partnership with the Bloomington-Normal Community Concert Band, the celebration brought together 23 community readers representing elected officials, students, educators, clergy, veterans, Scouts, law enforcement, first responders, civic organizations, and community leaders. Participants included Mayor Chris Koos (Normal), Mayor Dan Brady (Bloomington), and Mayor Helen Michelassi (Clinton), along with representatives of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Children of the American Revolution. (See the complete listing of readers in the program brochure below) The evening featured the public reading of the Declaration, a patriotic concert by the Bloomington-Normal Community Concert Band under the direction of Mike Wallace, Scout Troop 920's presentation of the Colors, a Liberty Tree exhibit, a display of 50 American flags, and a moving Time of Remembrance concluding with Echo Taps and Amazing Grace. The event demonstrated the power of collaboration among community organizations while honoring America's founding principles and celebrating Illinois' participation in the nationwide America 250 "Sharing the Spirit of America" initiative. The event honored our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors while promoting patriotism, serving our community, and educating and inspiring future generations. Dale Simpson 250th Committee Chair General Joseph Bartholomew SAR Chapter, Illinois |
John Nixon reading the Declaration of Independence, July 8, 1776 / NYPL (https://thestrawfoot.com/2023/07/08/colonel-john-nixon)
An 1826 painting by John Trumbull entitled Annunciation of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson is shown presenting the Annunciation to John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress.
(https://sousathandoing.blogspot.com/2022/04/when-second-continental-congress.html)
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About “Sharing the Spirit of America”
“Sharing the Spirit of America” is a nationwide initiative of the Hawai's America250 Commission.
Despite spanning thousands of miles and multiple time zones, Americans were united in a synchronized reading of the Declaration of Independence—just as it was shared with the public in 1776. Over 1000 sites participated. Visit the The Hawaii America 250 website.and their interactive map showing all involved.
“Sharing the Spirit of America” is a nationwide initiative of the Hawai's America250 Commission.
Despite spanning thousands of miles and multiple time zones, Americans were united in a synchronized reading of the Declaration of Independence—just as it was shared with the public in 1776. Over 1000 sites participated. Visit the The Hawaii America 250 website.and their interactive map showing all involved.
Links to news events related to the "Sharing of the Spirit of America"
- Channel 25 News Interview:(7 July 2026) with GJB's Dale Simpson:
- WGLT News (8 July 2026): Bloomington-Normal marks America 250 with global reading of the Declaration of Independence
- Town of Normal July 2026 "NormalNOW Newletter" Feature Story
- More news items to come
View photo snaps of the community and participants during the historic 250th re-reading nationwide of the
Declaration of Independence, July 8, 1776-2026
(click on any image to enlarge & then step through photos)
Declaration of Independence, July 8, 1776-2026
(click on any image to enlarge & then step through photos)
Download the Official Program Booklet
Choose download the file if not displayed
Choose download the file if not displayed
📞 Contact Information
Dale Simpson
America 250 Committee Chairman
Public Relations Chairman
General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter, SAR
📧 [email protected]
📞 309-824-6820
Or visit the Contact Page at GJBSAR.org
Dale Simpson
America 250 Committee Chairman
Public Relations Chairman
General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter, SAR
📧 [email protected]
📞 309-824-6820
Or visit the Contact Page at GJBSAR.org
