On July 8, at exactly 5 p.m. CDT, the community of Warrensburg will join a historic “simultaneous reading” of the Declaration of Independence that will sweep across all 50 states and 10 time zones.
Residents are invited to gather at the Old Johnson County Courthouse (302 N. Main St.), a site synonymous with American justice and the home of the Johnson County Historical Society. This reading marks the 250th anniversary of the document’s first public reading in 1776.
“By meeting at the Old Courthouse, we are grounding this national celebration in our own local history,” said Gene Henry of the Martin Warren Chapter, SAR. “As we stand near the site where the phrase ‘man’s best friend’ was born, we will join voices with Americans from the Caribbean to the Pacific to reaffirm our founding principles.”
The ceremony starts at 4:45 p.m.
Participation is open to the public; families and local organizations are encouraged to attend.
This event is part of a nationwide effort to have Americans read the Declaration “together” at the same moment, regardless of their location. While the central gathering will be at the Old Courthouse, individual families are also invited to participate from their own homes at 5:00 PM sharp to ensure the “voice of the people” resonates throughout Johnson County.
For more information, please contact: Gene Henry, Vice President, Martin Warren Chapter, SAR, (660) 351-3156 or ltcredleg@aim.com
Release courtesy of Martin Warren Chapter, SAR.
