Connecticut officials gathered at the Old Statehouse to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz began the reading before passing it to other state and local leaders. Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas and Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam were among the officials who took part.

Officials also delivered remarks highlighting Connecticut's role in the American Revolution.

The event celebrated 250 years of freedom while looking ahead to the nation's future.