Stratford is marking a major moment in the nation’s history Thursday with its “Stratford Patriot Voices” celebration — an event honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States through public readings of words that have helped define America.

The town invited state and local leaders, along with students and residents, to take part in reading excerpts from some of the country’s most influential documents.

Selections included the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Federalist Papers and other writings that have shaped the nation’s identity since 1776.

Mayor David Chess said the goal of Stratford’s celebration is to bring people together.

“I want to take down the walls between reds and blues and all the extremists, and bring us together around being an American,” Chess said. “That’s what I think real civility is about and what real patriotism is about.”