The Celebration of America Program started at St. John’s Episcopal Church in 2008. Each year the program rotates between famous speeches or readings of historic documents.

Many of the famous speeches are excerpts and most are edited so everyone can hear the highlights, said Michele Simmons who is helping to coordinate the program on July 3.

The program starts with the founding of the nation and highlights the story of the Star-Spangled Banner and the audience will sing it.

Another section is about the Civil Rights Movements, which will include a speech by Susan B. Anthony and Lyndon Johnson.

Another part of the event will discuss preserving the land and our natural resources. The Celebration of America program will conclude with the Bill of Rights read by the audience.

“This community celebration gives us a chance to reconnect with important and inspirational speeches that helped make our country,” said Simmons.

“In an election year, so much divides us. Everyone can revisit what connects us to our country.”