The Foundational Documents of American Democracy – A Public Reading

11 a.m. at the Vienna Community Center

Celebrate Independence Day with Vienna’s fourth annual public, round-robin reading of the foundational documents of American democracy. This year’s event will be especially meaningful as we partner with the Vienna250 Committee and Liberty Amendments Month to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary!

All are welcome to join in as participants go around the room, taking turns reading several lines of each document at a time. This is a round-robin style reading, which means a microphone will be passed between seated audience members to each read a few sentences from the foundational documents. The event will be guided by one or two moderators. Bound booklets of the readings will be distributed to all attendees and then returned at the end of the event for re-use next year. *Attendees are also welcome to come to the event to listen and opt out of reading a passage aloud.

Documents read will include portions of the Fairfax Resolves, Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Emancipation Proclamation, and, of course, the Liberty Amendments (13th, 14th, 15th and 19th amendments to the United States Constitution). The program will conclude with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

This event is co-chaired by Councilmember Jessica Ramakis and the Honorable Steve Shannon.

Thank you to all of the co-hosts: AAUW Vienna Area Branch, American Legion Post 180, Church of the Holy Comforter, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Emmaus United Church of Christ, Girl Scout Service Unit 50-10, Historic Vienna Inc., Optimist Club of Greater Vienna, Rotary Club of Vienna, Town of Vienna Baha’i Faith Community, Vienna Business Association, and Vienna Presbyterian Church.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Register here.