PLYMOUTH, Vt. – The historic village of Plymouth Notch will celebrate the birthday of President Calvin Coolidge and the United States on July 4. The party kicks off at 9 a.m., with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and moment of reflection in the Union Christian Church. At 12 p.m., join us for a processional to the town cemetery, a 0.4 mile walk, led by the Vermont National Guard. In a brief commemorative ceremony, a wreath will be laid at the president’s grave, and readings will be offered by the president’s descendants. The ceremony will be emceed by the 80th Vermont governor, James Douglas.
Special to the 2025 celebrations, John Masko will conduct a 13-piece orchestra at 1 p.m., under a marquee. The orchestra will perform George Gershwin’s “Three Preludes,” Arthur Foote’s “Night Piece,” Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Throughout the day, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation will host the Coolidge Cup, a national speech and debate competition. Members of the public are encouraged to listen in as young orators from across the country make their voices heard. Competition events will take place in tents throughout the grounds. For additional information, please visit www.coolidgefoundation.org/debate/coolidge-cup.