Fourth of July weekend is upon us—isn’t it great when holidays naturally fall on Mondays?—and I’m gearing up for a new/old tradition this year.
As I did half a dozen times in my old hometown of Binghamton, New York, this Monday I am presenting in my new hometown of Sterling, Virgnia, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. I’ll be reciting the entire text of the declaration at our local community center’s playground beginning at 11 a.m.
In the 19th century and into the early part of the 20th century it was customary on the Fourth of July for a public official—a mayor, a judge, a justice of the peace—to recite the text of the Declaration of Independence in a public place for residents to come together as a community and celebrate the holiday. Like many traditions, this one faded, and now it is difficult to find such an event anywhere in the nation, let alone one’s hometown. I’m aiming to amend that Monday with what I hope to be the first of many such occurrences in Loudoun County. If you are able to join us please do so. Further information can be found on the Events page of this site. Now let our patriotism commence!