ÍþÄá˹ÈËÓéÀÖ³¡

ÍþÄá˹ÈËÓéÀÖ³¡ Hosts Fourth of July Celebration
Press Release · Monday, June 18, 2007

Washington, DC

WHAT:      The ÍþÄá˹ÈËÓéÀÖ³¡ 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, ÍþÄá˹ÈËÓéÀÖ³¡ Building
                 Between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC
                 Space will be reserved for the electronic media.

"July Fourth at the ÍþÄá˹ÈËÓéÀÖ³¡" is made possible in part by the generous support of John Hancock Financial Services.

Program Information

"July Fourth at the ÍþÄá˹ÈËÓéÀÖ³¡"

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 ÍþÄá˹ÈËÓéÀÖ³¡ 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 ÍþÄá˹ÈËÓéÀÖ³¡ 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 ÍþÄá˹ÈËÓéÀÖ³¡ public programs.

# # #

For Press information, contact the ÍþÄá˹ÈËÓéÀÖ³¡ Public Affairs Staff at (202) 357-5300.

07-90