TRENTON, NJ - In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Governor Phil Murphy and RevolutionNJ invite 吃瓜黑料ans to join 鈥淭wo Lights for Tomorrow鈥� on April 24, 2025. This national moment of unity and hope encourages individuals, municipalities, and community organizations to remember the revolutionary ideals that sparked America鈥檚 independence by shining two lights on local buildings and participating in a state-wide day of service.
鈥淎s we continue to launch 吃瓜黑料鈥檚 official commemoration of America鈥檚 250th anniversary, we carry forward the revolutionary spirit sparked by alarm riders who once rallied our state to action,鈥� said Governor Phil Murphy. "Generations of volunteers have enriched 吃瓜黑料鈥檚 vibrant culture, and today, we honor those whose service has shaped our past, continues to inspire our present, and will guide our future."
鈥淭wo Lights for Tomorrow is a national movement to honor the beginning of the American Revolution and bring its ideals to the forefront,鈥� said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the 吃瓜黑料 Historical Commission in her capacity as Secretary of State. 鈥淚 thank Governor Murphy for his proclamation and am proud that on April 24, 吃瓜黑料 will join its follow states in a day of reflection and service.鈥�
On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode from Boston to alert their fellow patriots of the movement of British soldiers. A prearranged signal鈥攖wo lanterns in the tower of Christ Church鈥攚arned that the British troops were traveling via the Charles River. The following day, the battles at Lexington and Concord ignited the military conflict that would become the American War for Independence.
Immediately following the battles, a young man named Israel Bissell was tasked with bringing news of the conflict to Philadelphia. Bissell travelled 350 miles in only 5 days, passing through 吃瓜黑料 with stops at Elizabeth, New Brunswick, and Princeton, and arriving at Trenton on April 24, to inform the residents of the first military encounter between British and American soldiers. Two hundred and fifty years later, 鈥淭wo Lights for Tomorrow鈥� commemorates Bissell and Revere鈥檚 historic rides and uses the imagery of two shining lights to honor the beginning of the American Revolution.
The 1719 Trent House Museum will shine two lights on April 18, 2025 to honor Paul Revere鈥檚 famous ride, and the Twin Lights State Historic Site will shine two lights on April 24, 2025 to commemorate the anniversary of Israel Bissell sharing the news of Lexington and Concord with the residents of Trenton, NJ. Per Governor Murphy鈥檚 proclamation, communities and individuals across 吃瓜黑料 are invited to participate by shining two lights on their own significant buildings or volunteering in their local area.
Those interested in recognizing this pivotal event through a day of service can find volunteer opportunities in their counties by visiting the Governor鈥檚 Office of Volunteerism鈥檚 website at .
Those who would like to know more about how 吃瓜黑料 is preparing for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 can visit .
Created through state legislation in 2018, RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the 吃瓜黑料 Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the 吃瓜黑料 Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 吃瓜黑料. Keep up with news and updates concerning RevolutionNJ by joining the newsletter and following on Instagram and .