Message from Mayor Josh Losardo – June 19, 2026
My Fellow Americans:
Two hundred and fifty years ago, a small group of remarkable men and women, some living in Scotch Plains, risked everything - their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor - to declare that liberty is not the gift of kings, but the birthright of every human being.
As President Gerald Ford reminded the nation during our Bicentennial in 1976: “Liberty is a living flame to be fed, not dead ashes to be revered.” Fifty years later, that flame burns as brightly as ever, and it falls to us – this generation of Americans – to boldly carry it forward.
We are a community of many backgrounds, many stories, and many journeys, and our diversity is not a weakness but a strength that mirrors the great American experiment itself.
The Revolution 250 anniversary belongs to all of us. It is a moment to set aside what divides us and celebrate the shared heritage that unites us: a belief in freedom, in self-government, and in the dignity of every person.
I invite every one of you — no matter your background, party, or point of view — to come together as Americans and mark this once-in-a-lifetime milestone with your neighbors.
You may already have noticed the banner hanging in our downtown promoting these celebrations. Consider it an open invitation from the Township to you. We hope it has caught your eye and stirred a bit of that patriotic pride that this occasion deserves.
Scotch Plains will mark America’s 250th anniversary with a two-day Revolution 250 celebration on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27. Here is what we have in store for you:
Friday, June 26 — 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Downtown Scotch Plains
Join us for an opening ceremony at the Scotch Plains Baptist Church, 333 Park Ave., honoring the patriots and soldiers of the American Revolution interred there. The celebration continues with a visit from Gen. George Washington and Comte de Rochambeau, arriving on horseback, in front of Scotch Plains Town Hall for the opening of a time capsule buried by our predecessors in 1984, as part of the Township’s 300th anniversary celebration.
After the time capsule opening, there will be food provided by the Stage House Tavern and activities sponsored by local historic organizations on the Alan M. Augustine Village Green. The Nettingham Middle School Jazz Ensemble will perform during the celebration.
Saturday, June 27 — 5-10 p.m.
Shady Rest Country Club
Our celebration continues at the historic Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road, with live music sponsored by Preserve Shady Rest, food trucks, and a fireworks display to cap off two extraordinary days of remembrance and renewal. Fireworks will begin at sundown.
These community-wide events are made possible through the generous support of sponsors, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, and the RevolutionNJ Community. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.scotchplainsnj.gov/government/revolution-250.
President Ford also said it well: “The American adventure is a continuing process. As one milestone is passed, another is sighted.” On June 26 and 27, let us mark this milestone together.
Bring your families, bring your neighbors, and bring your appreciation of local history. There will never be another 250th, and Scotch Plains intends to celebrate it in a way worthy of the occasion.
With gratitude and pride, I look forward to seeing you there.
