GREEN COVE SPRINGS —It's been 250 years since America officially gained its independence.

A day marked by the country's long, successful journey to freedom.

During that time, foundational documents established the nation's core principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And now, each make up the Charters of Freedom that sit proudly within the Historic Triangle, making Clay County a permanent tribute to the records that helped shape the United States.

"We have an opportunity not only to remember that history, but to celebrate the people, service and shared commitment. And continue to shape our great country and our community," said District 3 Commissioner Jim Renninger.

The large steel plaques sit proudly outside the Historic Courthouse. They were provided to the county for free as part of the Foundation Forward's effort to make the founding documents accessible to communities across the country. Carlton Construction helped to install the monuments through sponsorships and donations.

Those monuments, depicting the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and Civil Rights Amendment, were of the many patriotic elements highlighted on Wednesday, Oct. 14, during the county's 250 Day celebration.

Oct. 14, 1774, marked the day that the Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress was adopted in Philadelphia, marking its first major formal action after its opening. The document asserted the rights of the American colonies and declared that colonists were entitled to “life, liberty and property.”

The principles expressed in the document helped to lay the groundwork of the Declaration of Independence and the movement toward American independence.

In a daylong event, the community enjoyed food trucks, vendors and live music throughout the Historic Triangle.

Along with a Clay High NJROTC demonstration, there were performances by the Clay High Brass Ensemble and the U.S. Navy Band, a patriotic story time and crafts, a community reading of the Declaration of Independence and flyovers from the Haller Park aviators and the U.S. Navy Patrol Squadron 30.

Retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Mack Ellis also recited a poignant presentation of "Old Glory."

Local and state officials and community members joined a commemorative ceremony later that day, where County Commissioners Betsy Condon, Renninger, Kristen Burke, John Sgromolo and Alexandra Compere, Congressman Aaron Bean, Congressman John Rutherford, Chief Judge of Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit Lance Day and Circuit Judge Steven Whittington helped to narrate the momentous occasion.

Bean announced an official proclamation read on the House floor and recorded in its journal, which he presented to the county. Additionally, County Manager Howard Wanamaker read an official letter to the county signed by President Donald Trump.

And in a historic end to the ceremony, local and state elected officials were invited inside the courthouse to sign the America 250 Commemorative Proclamation, creating a lasting record of the special occasion.