First Litchfield Artillery Regiment's "Let Freedom Ring" Ceremony

Join us for a special celebration on July 4, 2026, as the First Litchfield Artillery Regiment and the Oliver Wolcott Branch #10 Sons of the American Revolution commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago. Starting at 1:15 each of the 13 original colonies will be introduced, it's flag will be presented and the cannon will fire (13 times). Bring ear protection!

As the last volley echoes into the hills at 2 p.m. the local church bells will ring 13 times. This national belI ringing is required the 1963 Senate Concurrent Resolution #25 that Litchfield's Eric Hatch and Warren's Eric Sloane as the "Committee of the Erics" brought to Congress. It was adopted and reads:

Congress hereby (1) declares that the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence should be observed each year by the ringing of bells throughout the United States at the hour of 2 o’clock, eastern daylight time, in the afternoon of the 4th day of July, or at such other time on that day as may be determined by local authority, and (2) calls upon civic and other community leaders to take appropriate steps to encourage public participation in such observance.

The First Litchfield Artillery Regiment, the state of Connecticut's only chartered private militia, has been commemorating this annually since they were founded in 1964 by the Erics.