Let’s “Light to Unite” Red, White and Blue in Morris County

Published on July 01, 2026

Join in a Nationwide Patriotic Display Starting July 2

250th Anniversary of the Revolution

Beginning tomorrow, July 2, Morris County is inviting residents, businesses, schools, places of worship, community organizations and local governments to join the nationwide "Light to Unite" campaign in celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

During the weeklong campaign, participants are encouraged to illuminate homes, businesses, public buildings and landmarks in red, white and blue and share photos on social media using #NJLightToUnite and @morriscountynj.

The celebration kicks off at dusk on July 2, when the historic Morris County Courthouse and other county facilities throughout the county will be lit in our nation’s colors as a tribute to America’s founding and the ideals that continue to unite its people 250 years later.

"We hope everyone across Morris County will take part in this special celebration," said Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw. "Whether you're lighting the windows, doorstep, front porch or façade of your home or building, it's a simple way to show your pride, honor our nation's history and celebrate our Semiquincentennial together."

Light to Unite

The campaign begins on July 2 because it marks the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress approved the Lee Resolution, formally declaring the 13 American colonies independent from Great Britain. Although the Declaration of Independence was adopted two days later, on July 4, many historians consider July 2 to be the legal birthdate of American independence. The Declaration's adoption on July 4 became the date celebrated by the public and ultimately recognized as Independence Day, making both dates significant milestones in the birth of the United States.

The campaign concludes on the evening of July 8, when Morris County joins communities across the nation for a synchronized public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time as part of the “Sharing the Spirit of America” initiative. This event coincides with the date and time the Declaration was first read publicly in Philadelphia 250 years ago. Morris County's reading will take place on the lawn of the historic Morris County Courthouse and will be livestreamed on the Morris County Facebook page.

County facilities that will be illuminated in red, white and blue from July 2 – July 8 include:

  • The Veterans Services Office, 540 W. Hanover Ave., Morris Township
  • The Law & Public Safety Complex, 500 W. Hanover Ave., Parsippany-Troy Hills
  • The historic Morris County Courthouse, 56 Washington St., Morristown
  • The Morris County Administration & Records Building, under “the bridge” at 10 Court St., Morristown.
  • The Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance, 340 W. Hanover Ave., Morris Township
  • The Morris County Library, 30 E. Hanover Ave., Whippany
  • The Human Services Complex at 1 Medical Drive, Morris Plains
  • The Morris County 9/11 Memorial, 460 W. Hanover Ave., Parsippany-Troy Hills

The "Light to Unite" initiative is part of the nationwide commemoration of America's Semiquincentennial, encouraging communities across the country to demonstrate civic pride through a shared display of patriotic light.

For more information about 250th Anniversary programs and events happening throughout Morris County, please visit morriscounty250.com.

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