Photo by Monmouth County Government
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Monmouth County officials unveiled the MonmouthNJ 250 Monument during a ceremony at Swimming River Park to commemorate America's 250th birthday on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
"As many of you know, America is getting ready to celebrate its 250th birthday this summer and Monmouth County has been preparing for this for years to honor its vital role in America's fight for freedom," said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, Co-Chair of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee. "Today, we get to share the Monument that will commemorate this exciting time for our Country."
As part of the ceremony, Middletown Mayor Tony Perry welcomed attendees to Middletown.
"It is wonderful to see so many people here to celebrate America's birthday at Swimming River Park," said Mayor Perry. "It is incredible knowing this site will exist for the next 250 years so future generations can remember, understand and appreciate that America is the greatest experiment that has ever been tested. And we've been tested over those 250 years, but we have nothing but optimism, pride and appreciation for everything that has happened in the past and for the next 250 years."
Commissioner Director Arnone and County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon shared how the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee prepared Monmouth County for this exciting celebration.
"This unveiling, along with the other MonmouthNJ 250 events, is a culmination of years of hard work by the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee, and I would like to thank them for their efforts," said Commissioner Director Arnone. "When my Co-Chair, Christine Hanlon, and I first discussed how Monmouth County was going to celebrate America's 250th birthday, 2026 seemed like a long way off. But we stand here today as not only the most prepared County in New Jersey, but one of the most prepared in the Country."
Photo by Monmouth County Government
"We will celebrate our Country and its founding ideals with pride and patriotism through parades and fireworks, concerts and exhibits, runs, walks and races, and events for all ages across our County. I invite all residents to join this historic celebration," said Clerk Hanlon, Co-Chair of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee. "May this Monument here at Swimming River Park always serve as a symbol of our County's rich history and the many sacrifices our forefathers made to ensure the liberty we enjoy today."
Monmouth County has officially launched a comprehensive lineup of initiatives and community events to commemorate the Nation's 250th anniversary through its MonmouthNJ 250 celebration. Educational and digital outreach efforts include the Monmouth County Library System's free 2026 program guide, a specialized student history booklet, and two rounds of youth poetry and essay contests. Residents can engage with local history via the new MonmouthNJ 250 mobile app, the "Talking 250" podcast and the "History with Hanlon and Arnone" YouTube video series. On the fitness and entertainment front, the County introduced the "250 for 250" miles tracking challenge alongside the "ParkStage" summer performance series, hosted in partnership with the Count Basie Center's centennial. The celebration peaks with major signature events, including the Stars & Strides 5K and Freedom Walk at Bell Works on June 14, America's 250th Birthday Gala on June 25, and the "Red, White, & YOU!" Big Birthday Parade in Middletown Township on June 28. Additionally, the Park System is hosting ongoing heritage programming, featuring the year-long "War Comes to Monmouth" exhibit at Thompson Park Visitor Center and the commemorative booklet, Portraits of the Past: A Journey Through the American Revolution.
"As we prepare to celebrate 250 years of the American story, we are reminded that history is not only written in Philadelphia, Washington or on battlefields long ago; it is written in communities like Monmouth County every single day," said Commissioner Director Arnone. "This County has always stood at the crossroads of American history, from the courage shown here during the Revolutionary War to the generations of families, workers, veterans, educators and neighbors who continue to shape its future today."
"Nearly 250 years ago, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed and a new Nation was born—founded on the enduring principles that all people are entitled to 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,'" said Clerk Hanlon. "These seven statues represent individuals from Monmouth County from all walks of life, reminding us that the Revolution was shaped by men and women whose diverse experiences, sacrifices and contributions helped define our community, our County and our Nation. Today, as we dedicate this Monument, we honor the legacy of those who lived through one of the most consequential chapters in our history so that we can celebrate 250 years of freedom."
Photo by Monmouth County Government
During the ceremony, sculptor Brian Hanlon spoke about designing the Monument.
"I created something that explains the themes of fight, family and patriotism in Monmouth County during the Revolutionary War," said Hanlon. "Monmouth County is in my roots, and it affected me as an artist. Thank you for letting me be part of this. This project is the pinnacle of my career."
Other participants in the ceremony included: Atlantic Watch Pipe and Drums, Marine Academy of Science and Technology Color Guard, NJ Society Sons of the American Revolution - Monmouth Chapter, vocalist Julia Santiago, and Rev. Brian T. Butch, pastor of the Church of Saint Anselm in Tinton Falls.
The dedication ceremony was live-streamed on the Monmouth County Government's Facebook and YouTube Channel.
For more information about Monmouth County, go to www.visitmonmouth.com.
