Saturday, October 3, 2026
The Franklin Square Historical Society and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages hosted their annual reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Rath Park Gazebo, next to the Franklin Square Museum, on the evening of July 2.
Dozens of residents and public officials — including county legislators Seth Koslow, Carrié Solages and Olena Nicks — gathered in front of the gazebo with chairs, blankets, patriotic pinwheels and American flags.
James Pagano, assistant director of the Franklin Square Public Library, welcomed guests and introduced Maya Andrews, who sang the national anthem as the Color Guard of VFW Post 1790 led the crowd in saluting the flag.
“Let’s remember all our past heroes who fought for our freedom,” Pagano said to guests. “We can’t take it for granted. We’ve earned the right to celebrate, so let’s show the whole world how proud we are to be free.”
One at a time, speakers began approaching the microphone, each reading a section of the historical document in succession. This year’s speakers were Judge Philippe Solages, Koslow, Fran Gatto, Eleanor Molina, Juliette Burke, Carl Gerrato, Adrienne McKenna, Carrié and Mary Ann Grey.
“The Declaration of Independence,” Michaelle said, “means opportunity and freedom to speak out against injustice and ensure that we are always holding the promise of this country accountable.”
Selene Ferdinand, founder of Meera Empowerment, attended the event with her mother, Savitre Ferdinand, donning red, white and blue attire and waving their pinwheels in celebration of the holiday.
For Selene, 12, the Declaration represents all the work this nation undertook to gain independence and fight for civil liberties. “I feel that it’s really important to know what our freedom is and what our rights are,” Selene said.
Valley Stream residents Nylah Henry, 19, and Hifsa Billal, 17, attended the event together, filming the ceremony on their cellphones.
“The Declaration of Independence, to me,” Nylah said, “means the freedom of our country and the grit that we have to fight for independence.”
Billal agreed, adding, “It means that what belongs to us is ours.”
After the ceremony ended, guests were served light refreshments including hot dogs and chips, sharing laughs and reflecting on the meaning of the holiday. Some attendees commented on the relevance the document continues to hold today.
“What this document stands for,” Koslow said, “what it represents, and what it guides us to do is an important measure of how successful we are as a country. If we can uphold this and looking around seeing the various ages and groups of people here shows how important this document is to our country.”
Carrié thanked all who made the event possible, including veterans, the historical society and the library. “This country is, and will continue to be, the best country in the world,” he said.
“Enjoy your fourth, be safe, and be careful with those fireworks,” Michaelle said to guests, laughing. “I look forward to celebrating with you next year.”
