PLATTSBURGH — The Valcour Battle Chapter Sons of the American Revolution will present a reenactment of the public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 10 a.m. July 5 in Veterans Park on the U.S. Oval.
The centerpiece of the event will be an interpretive reading by historian John Krueger, bringing the document to life. Additional participants include members of the Sons of the American Legion Post No. 1619 and the Legion Auxiliary Scouts from the Adirondack District Twin Rivers Council of Scouting America, and scouts from the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York.
This free community event, held rain or shine, invites attendees of all ages to commemorate the 249th anniversary of America’s independence. The program will last approximately one hour. While limited seating is available, guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
Charlie Mitchell, president of the Valcour Battle Chapter, emphasized the importance of continuing this tradition.
“We are proud to bring this patriotic event to our community,” he said. “Celebrating the resolution to declare independence was exactly what John Adams envisioned when he wrote to his wife Abigail on July 2, predicting that the day ‘will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.’”
The Declaration of Independence, formally adopted on July 4, 1776, was publicly read in towns across the American colonies, spreading the monumental news to the people. This reenactment pays homage to that tradition.
The Valcour Battle Chapter, based in Plattsburgh, represents Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties. The Sons of the American Revolution is a nonprofit organization dedicated to historical education, patriotic observances, and preserving the legacy of those who fought for American independence.
The SAR served on the planning committee for Clinton County America’s 250th observance. In addition to celebrating the Declaration of Independence, other SAR activities throughout the year include observing George Washington’s birthday by donating a book related to American independence to a local library, supporting the DAR commemorations at Fort Chambly the 1776 Battle of Valcour on Lake Champlain, and honoring the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers through the Wreaths Across America program.