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HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen joined Montanans on Wednesday to participate in a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence, 250 years after Colonel John Nixon’s first public reading of the document at what is now known as Independence Hall.
Secretary Jacobsen was one of dozens of Montanans proudly participating in the reading at Flag Plaza in front of the Montana State Capitol. Local elected officials and community members joined the Secretary in each reading a portion of the Declaration, with Secretary Jacobsen capping the event by reading the final line of the historic document at the celebration, which was hosted by the City of Helena.
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor,” Secretary Jacobsen said.
Secretary Jacobsen provided copies of the Declaration of Independence for the attendees, who were spread across the Capitol lawn to celebrate the special occasion. She also read Governor Greg Gianforte’s proclamation, which declared July 8, 2026, “Declaration of Independence Day” in Montana.
“WHEREAS, as Montana joins the nation in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history, honor those who have defended our freedoms, and recommit ourselves to the values that have made America a beacon of freedom and opportunity,” Secretary Jacobsen read from Governor Gianforte’s proclamation.
The reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Montana State Capitol can be viewed on Secretary Jacobsen’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3lHHhddBjo.
This celebration is the latest in Secretary Jacobsen’s ongoing recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, including her recent initiative providing every departing passenger at the Helena Regional Airport on Independence Day with printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, as well as providing Montana schools and students with special patriotic editions of the U.S. and Montana Constitutions.