Secretary of State Gregg Amore and the Department of State have announced plans for the recognition of Rhode Island Independence Day on May 4th.
The State House will be open for special hours on May 3rd and Rhode Islanders are encouraged to display a state flag to mark the day.
On May 4th, 1776, Rhode Island was the first colony to renounce allegiance to Great Britain's King George the Third and declare independence by official legislative act.
The passage of the Act of Renunciation by the Rhode Island General Assembly took place at the Old State House in Providence.
(Photo: Rhode Island Department Of State)