Public Readings of the Declaration of Independence at Fort Stanwix

Date: August 7, 2010
Contact: Kelly Cardwell, 315 338-7730

ROME, NY — Fort Stanwix National Monument will celebrate our nation’s Independence Day with public readings of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. These readings will honor past and present soldiers of the United States and Army SPC Blair Thompson, and remember the sacrifices the people of the Mohawk Valley and the nation.

The first reading will be at 11 a.m. The second reading has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. This second reading will be earlier for the Memorial Service in honor of Blair Thompson, his family and friends, and our community.

"At Fort Stanwix we remember those who struggle and sacrifice for our freedoms every day; these are our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and security personnel, and their families. It does not matter if they served over 200 years ago or are deployed in our community and around the world today; we owe our freedom to them and to Blair Thompson. Independence Day is always extra special for us. Come out and listen to the words of the Declaration of Independence and be reminded that our freedom has a price; a price often paid with the ultimate sacrifice," said Debbie Conway, Superintendent of Fort Stanwix National Monument. "Join us in standing together to remember and honor their courage, determination and sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today."

Fort Stanwix National Monument is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the park is free. Activities are ongoing unless noted. For more information about upcoming events please call the park at [phone]. Please visit the park’s web page at www.nps.gov/fost for additional information about the park and up-to-date news about park events.

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