KNOX, INDIANA – The Starke County America 250 Committee invites the public to join them for a special evening of patriotism, history, and community celebration on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as Starke County commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans War Memorial on the Starke County Courthouse Square in downtown Knox and is free and open to the public.
The evening will begin with welcome remarks by Gwen Rentz, followed by an opening prayer by Bruce Bennett and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jeff Berg.
A special performance of “America the Beautiful” will be presented by four talented young ladies from Starke County: Miriam Ness, Lina Moerland, Hannah Flores, and Maddie Vessely.
The highlight of the evening will be a public reading of the Declaration of Independence by members of the Masonic Lodge dressed in period attire. Two hundred and fifty years ago, America’s founders boldly declared that all people are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This reading will allow attendees to hear the very words that changed the course of history and gave birth to a new nation.
Following the reading, Mayor Dennis Estok will conduct a ceremonial bell ringing. The bell will be rung thirteen times, once for each of the original thirteen colonies that united in the cause of liberty and established the United States of America.
The evening will conclude with light refreshments and an opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors while reflecting upon our nation’s founding and the enduring ideals of liberty and self-government.
At 6:30 p.m., Mayor Dennis Estok invites everyone to walk to Knox City Hall for the opening of the 1976 Knox Bicentennial Time Capsule.
Originally sealed during America’s Bicentennial celebration fifty years ago, the time capsule offers a unique opportunity to rediscover the memories, photographs, artifacts, and stories that local residents chose to preserve for future generations. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the opening of the time capsule provides a meaningful connection between the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976 and today’s Semiquincentennial observance.
“This event gives our community the opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th birthday while also reconnecting with our own local history and the memories preserved by previous generations,” said Gwen Rentz of the Starke County America 250 Committee.
Residents of all ages are encouraged to bring their families, invite their friends, and join in this memorable community celebration. Whether you come to hear the words that founded our nation, enjoy patriotic music, witness the ceremonial bell ringing, or see what treasures have been hidden away for fifty years inside the time capsule, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
For additional information and updates on this and other America 250 events, follow the Starke County: Celebrating USA 250th Facebook page.
