On July 4th, Women's Rights National Historical Park celebrated Independence Day in grand fashion. Starting off with a parade to the Wesleyan Chapel, the morning was filled with speeches, and a historical presentation of the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Sentiments. The Waterloo post of the American Legion discussed proper flag protocol, and a flag retirement ceremony was held where US flags were properly retired and disposed of. Following this ceremony, the Friends of Women's Rights National Park presented the park with a 30 star US flag. This is the flag that flew over the nation at the time of the First Women's Rights Convention in 1848. Later, cake and ice cream were served to the public at a reception in the Visitor Center.