America's forgotten Independence Day

PUT-IN-BAY — An event next year will honor the day America truly committed to independence: Aug. 2, 1776. While July 4 marks the Declaration of Independence's adoption, it was actually Aug. 2, 1776, when 56 patriots signed the document, risking their lives to make independence real. From Aug. 2-3, 2026, the Lake Erie Heritage Foundation will host Declaration 250 at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay, honoring this historic moment. The two-day event will feature: • A national signing ceremony with members of Congress invited to participate • The Ohio State University Marching Band • Tall ships, a keynote speaker, living history and fireworks Radio host Hugh Hewitt will emcee the celebration, which invites Americans to reflect on the courage and sacrifice behind the founding of the nation. "Aug. 2 is America's signature moment," Lake Erie Heritage Foundation spokesman David Zavagno said. "This is more than a re-signing celebration: It is a reaffirmation of the ideals that forged our nation. There is no more fitting place than Perry's Monument to gather, reflect and recommit to the promise of the declaration." This once-in-a-generation event, as explained by Zavagno, invites Americans to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and unity that shaped the nation — and to recommit to the ideals of liberty and democracy. Visit lakeerieheritage.org for details or to get involved.