CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew Crecca is proud to announce that the Suffolk County Courts are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through a series of special events during early July as part of the New York Unified Court System’s statewide commemoration. In keeping with this historic milestone, the Suffolk Courts have put on multi-faceted, coordinated celebrations that collectively honor the nation’s founding principles and the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to upholding them.
The signature event for this year’s observance will take place on July 9, 2026, when courts throughout New York will join in a statewide simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence. In all Judicial Districts across the State, court members will conduct a reading of the Declaration at precisely the same time, marking the 250th anniversary of the document’s ratification on July 9, 1776, by the New York delegation in White Plains. This coordinated moment of reflection will underscore the enduring importance of the principles of liberty, equality, and justice that guide the work of the courts today.
To mark the occasion locally in Suffolk County, the court also hosted employee barbecues this week at the John P. Cohalan Jr. Courthouse in Central Islip and at the Arthur M. Cromarty Courthouse in Riverhead. The celebrations featured apple pie baking contests and the “Court Cupcake Wars,” where each staff added to the festive spirit with patriotically colored cupcakes. Coinciding with a severe heat wave, employees were thrilled to enjoy cold treats from the famed local ice cream truck, Mister Softee. In recognition of this special anniversary, each of Suffolk’s court facilities has been adorned with commemorative American flags and specially designed patriotic banners and displays.
“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we are reminded of the enduring values that anchor our democracy and the vital role that our courts play in protecting them,” said District Administrative Judge Crecca. “This year’s special anniversary of American independence brings us together as a court community in a special way to recognize our history, identify our shared purpose, and honor our commitment to fairness, service, and the rule of law.”
Adding to the celebration, the Suffolk Courts community once again gathered after work on July 1st for Court Night at Ducks Stadium, an annual tradition hosted by the Long Island Ducks minor league professional baseball team. Each summer, this family-friendly event offers court employees and their loved ones an opportunity to connect and unwind during a relaxing evening at the ballpark. This year’s event also coincided with the Ducks’ popular “Bark in the Park” night, where fans can bring their dogs to the game. The Ducks honored the Suffolk Courts’ celebration with a booming 15-7 victory over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.
Through these festivities and more, the Suffolk County Courts mark this milestone year by honoring the values at the heart of the Declaration of Independence and recognizing the judiciary’s enduring responsibility to uphold the principles that shaped our nation.
