Declaration of Independence: Live Readings Across Tennessee

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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

Several locations across the state are incorporating live readings of the Declaration of Independence into their Independence Day celebrations as part of the Countdown to its 250^th anniversary.

On Wednesday, July 2, the public was invited to participate in the reading on the steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse.

The event was co-sponsored by Hamilton County Government, the City of Chattanooga Government, the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, the Chattanooga Bar Association and the Chattanooga Regents Council, NSDAR [Chickamauga, Chief John Ross, Judge David Campbell, Moccasin Bend and Nancy Ward Chapters]. Individuals were allowed to line up and take turns going to the podium to read a section of the document.

Similarly, representatives from several local organizations read the document aloud in front of the Bradley County Courthouse. They opted to do the reading on July 2, stating that this was the day that the Continental Congress actually voted for independence from Britain.

The public is invited to hear a reading from members of both the Sons and the Daughters of the American Revolution on July 4 at Five Points in Franklin. Some of the members will be participating in period clothing.

In Clarksville, SAR and DAR members will also be reading the Declaration that day. This will take place at 9 am on the steps of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Courthouse. There will be patriotic music, as well as a singing of the National Anthem.

At the Discovery Park of America in Union City, visitors can hear a reading of the Declaration as well as the ringing of a replica of the Liberty Bell, and can also watch a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party and talk to live historians.

The celebration continues on July 5 with Colonial Independence Day at Rocky Mount State Historic Site. In addition to a reading, visitors can experience reenactments and more.

Governor Lee kicked off the month with the announcement of a statewide, year-long celebration of the country’s 250^th anniversary. Lee plans to visit all 95 counties as part of a Farmland Preservation Tour to commemorate this milestone anniversary.

Sources:

https://www.chattanoogan.com/2025/7/1/505548/Governor-Lee-Announces-Year-Long.aspx

https://www.facebook.com/groups/426847822712478/posts/832211928842730

https://www.clevelandbanner.com/news/declaration-of-independence-reading-set-for-july-2/article_64855b4b-3821-52e7-930a-c6b7f7d01d33.html

https://www.chattanoogan.com/2025/6/30/505520/Public-Reading-Of-The-Declaration-Of.aspx

https://www.tnvacation.com/articles/tennessee-rocks-july-4-celebrations#:~:text=Step%20back%20in%20time%20at,more%20activities%20throughout%20the%20park.