Empire State Review Contributor 
On July 4, 2025, Saratoga National Historical Park commemorated Independence Day with a series of events that honored the nation’s founding principles and welcomed new citizens into the American fold. The day’s activities included a traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence and a naturalization ceremony, set against the backdrop of the historic battlefield where American forces secured a pivotal victory during the Revolutionary War.
The celebration began at 10:00 a.m. with the park’s 14th annual Citizenship Ceremony. Twenty immigrants from diverse backgrounds took the Oath of Allegiance on the Visitor Center lawn, officially becoming United States citizens. The ceremony featured patriotic elements such as fife and drum performances, a color guard presentation, and musket salutes, all organized in collaboration with the Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, Friends of Saratoga Battlefield, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
At 2:00 p.m., visitors gathered on the Visitor Center patio for a live reading of the Declaration of Independence. Park Volunteer Joe Craig delivered the historic document’s text, recreating the communal experience that many colonists had in 1776 when they first heard the Declaration read aloud in public spaces. This tradition serves as a reminder of the nation’s founding ideals and the importance of civic engagement.
The Saratoga National Historical Park, encompassing over 3,000 acres in Stillwater, New York, preserves the site of the Battles of Saratoga. These battles, fought in 1777, marked a turning point in the American Revolutionary War, leading to the surrender of British General John Burgoyne’s army and securing French support for the American cause.
The park’s Independence Day events are part of a broader effort to engage the public with the nation’s history and promote civic literacy. Similar readings and ceremonies were held across the Capital Region, including in Schenectady, Lake George, and Colonie, as communities prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Saratoga National Historical Park continues to offer educational programs and events throughout the year, fostering a deeper understanding of America’s revolutionary past and its enduring relevance today.
