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National Archives Hosts Fourth of July Celebration
Press Release · Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Washington, DC

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WHAT:

The National Archives will celebrate the 231st anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program.

The celebration will include patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by World War II veterans and exciting free family activities and entertainment for all ages.
WHEN:

Wednesday, July 4, 2007, Ceremony: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Family activities: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Exhibits (including the original Declaration of Independence): 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
WHERE:

Constitution Avenue steps, National Archives Building
Between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC
Space will be reserved for the electronic media.
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"July Fourth at the National Archives" is made possible in part by the generous support of John Hancock Financial Services.

Program Information

"July Fourth at the National Archives"

This popular family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the Constitution Avenue steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Highlights of the morning ceremony and family activities that will be held throughout the day include:

Ceremony
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

  • Presentation of Colors by the Continental Color Guard
  • Performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps
  • Remarks by Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein and filmmaker Ken Burns
  • Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Ned Hector, and WWII veterans Lieutenant Colonel Henry Cervantes USAF (Ret.) and Major Norman T. Hatch USMCR (Ret.)
  • Patriotic video presentations

Family Activities
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
(under tenting on Pennsylvania Avenue)

  • Meet General George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Rosie the Riveter, and other historical figures from the Revolutionary and World War II eras
  • Sign a full-sized facsimile of the Declaration of Independence
  • Show patriotic pride with a National Archives temporary tattoo
  • Plant a Victory Garden and learn about wartime conservation efforts
  • Don a tri-corner hat and step up to the podium to declare your independence
  • Air your grievances in a Revolutionary manner with a quill pen and ink
  • Explore full-size facsimiles of landmark historical documents
  • Meet children's author Louise Borden as she signs copies of her new book, The John Hancock Club

The National Archives Building is fully accessible. Please note: there will be a sign language interpreter for the ceremony.

Visit www.archives.gov, or call (202) 357-5000 for information on all National Archives public programs.

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For Press information or to request an image of the document, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at 202-357-5300.

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