New York County (Manhattan) Supreme Court played host on Thursday to an event marking 250 years since New York became the final state to affirm the Declaration of Independence.
The July 9 ceremony at the spacious rotunda of the courthouse, located at 60 Centre St., occurred five days after semiquincentennial events around the nation and approximately 250 years after the Empire State was the last colony to pledge “its sacred honor” to the document that established the United States of America as an independent nation.
At the heart of Thursday’s ceremony was a formal reading of the Declaration alongside remarks from members of the New York State court system. Hon. Suzanne Adams, Administrative Judge, delivered opening remarks and an introductory statement, while Hon. Milton Tingling, New York County Clerk, led a guided reflection.
Ceremonial components included the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Captain Melissa Figueroa, and the national anthem performed by Special Referee Diego Santiago.
A diverse group of volunteer readers—ranging from court attorneys and clerks to interns and a Supreme Court justice—participated in the reading, underscoring the judiciary’s connection to the nation’s founding principles. Participants included Jennifer Watson, Hon. Verna Saunders, Hon. James Clynes, and others.
Organizers said the program honored history while reinforcing civic values of freedom and independence.
The July 9 ceremony at the spacious rotunda of the courthouse, located at 60 Centre St., occurred five days after semiquincentennial events around the nation and approximately 250 years after the Empire State was the last colony to pledge “its sacred honor” to the document that established the United States of America as an independent nation.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Hon. Suzanne Adams, Adminstrative Judge, says the Pledge of AllegiancePhoto by Ramy Mahmoud 
New York County Clerk Milton Tingling (l.) and Peter Sorrento, Chief Clerk of the New York County Supreme Court.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
At the heart of Thursday’s ceremony was a formal reading of the Declaration alongside remarks from members of the New York State court system. Hon. Suzanne Adams, Administrative Judge, delivered opening remarks and an introductory statement, while Hon. Milton Tingling, New York County Clerk, led a guided reflection. Ceremonial components included the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Captain Melissa Figueroa, and the national anthem performed by Special Referee Diego Santiago.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Hon. Milton Tingling, New York County Clerk, led a guided reflectionPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud