Reading of the Declaration of Independence

[BrianSullivan]

The annual Freehold Borough reading of the Declaration of Independence is scheduled for July 4th. The event begins at 9 AM. People who wish to read a portion of the Declaration should show up at 8:30 AM.

This event has become a staple for our town. It has grown in popularity every year. People who want a nice and tasteful event away from giant crowds will especially enjoy this.

[richardkelsey]

Jun 22, 2010 7:11:14 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

The annual Freehold Borough reading of the Declaration of Independence is scheduled for July 4th. The event begins at 9 AM. People who wish to read a portion of the Declaration should show up at 8:30 AM.

This event has become a staple for our town. It has grown in popularity every year. People who want a nice and tasteful event away from giant crowds will especially enjoy this.

What a great tradition. Freehold is the cradle of our democratic republic. The skirmishes that were the Battle of Monmouth were fought from here to Englishtown -- and it was the turning point for a rag-tag group of patriots who had the temerity to stand against an isolated, arrogant, machine acting in its own self-interest.

I think it is a terrific tradition started in Freehold, and I thank all who participate and attend.

[adefonzo]

Agreed...this is one of the great traditions in Freehold Boro. I am sad that I won't be able to attend this year, but luckily, I brought along my pocket size Declaration of Independance and Constitution...so I'll be sure to read it on the 4th in memory of the strength and sacrifice of our founding fathers.

[BrianSullivan]

Speaking of the Battle of Monmouth, Rich, that was just re-enacted this past week end and as always, was a terrific event.

The borough reading of the Declaration of Independence is one of my favorite traditions. After nine years of dealing with wild beach crowds, I much prefer the toned down ceremony we have over crazy crowds.

Unfortunately, I will miss this event for the third year in a row due to work.

For now, here is a great article from the archives of the NT:

newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2005-06-29/Front_page/013.html

[BrianSullivan]

www.app.com/article/20100704/NEWS/7040350/The-declaration-s-power-is-self-evident-at-event

The declaration's power is self-evident at annual event
By JIM McCONVILLE • STAFF WRITER • July 4, 2010


FREEHOLD — Some 300 modern-day revolutionaries took part in the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence in front of Freehold Borough Hall on Sunday.




Orchestrated by journalist and former Freehold Councilman Kevin Coyne, the ceremony started with an honor guard march made up of veterans and members of the Freehold American Legion.

Coyne started the reading in 2004 in the memory of lifelong Freehold resident Samuel S. Sagotsky, a butcher's son who went to Harvard Law School and returned home to become a lawyer and eventually municipal court judge. The event has drawn more volunteers and spectators each year.

Coyne admitted he initially had doubts that an early morning Declaration reading would be a big draw.

"Honestly, we said, "We don't think anybody is going to come,' " Coyne recalled. "But it's clearly taken root. Once you have read it, it's really powerful to have done it. People keep coming back because they feel it's power and do want to be part of it on the morning of July 4th."

The main event: the reading of the full Declaration of Independence by a cast of 56, who each read a line from our newborn nation's assertion of independence from Great Britain and its ruler, King George III.

A lone motorcycle rider from the Blue Knights rode up Main Street at 9 a.m. sharp to deliver that famous parchment to its author, Thomas Jefferson.

"When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected him with another . . .," declared Freehold resident Nolan Higgins as Jefferson, dressed with Colonial tricorn hat and vest — in reading the opening line of "The Unanimous Declaration of the United States of America," penned 234 years ago.

Then one by one, the other 55 latter-day patriots, representing the original signers, read segments of the document. Among them was 11-year-old Ashley DeSantis of Oceanport, who is a direct descendant on her mother's side of Oliver Wolcott, one the four signers from Connecticut.

"It's just very appealing for them to hear it read, but to read it themselves," Coyne said. "This the document that founded us. It's short, simple and powerful. When you read it, you feel like your part of the day

[BrianSullivan]

Jul 5, 2010 15:47:33 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

www.app.com/article/20100704/NEWS/7040350/The-declaration-s-power-is-self-evident-at-event

The declaration's power is self-evident at annual event
By JIM McCONVILLE • STAFF WRITER • July 4, 2010


FREEHOLD — Some 300 modern-day revolutionaries took part in the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence in front of Freehold Borough Hall on Sunday.




Orchestrated by journalist and former Freehold Councilman Kevin Coyne, the ceremony started with an honor guard march made up of veterans and members of the Freehold American Legion.

Coyne started the reading in 2004 in the memory of lifelong Freehold resident Samuel S. Sagotsky, a butcher's son who went to Harvard Law School and returned home to become a lawyer and eventually municipal court judge. The event has drawn more volunteers and spectators each year.

Coyne admitted he initially had doubts that an early morning Declaration reading would be a big draw.

"Honestly, we said, "We don't think anybody is going to come,' " Coyne recalled. "But it's clearly taken root. Once you have read it, it's really powerful to have done it. People keep coming back because they feel it's power and do want to be part of it on the morning of July 4th."

The main event: the reading of the full Declaration of Independence by a cast of 56, who each read a line from our newborn nation's assertion of independence from Great Britain and its ruler, King George III.

A lone motorcycle rider from the Blue Knights rode up Main Street at 9 a.m. sharp to deliver that famous parchment to its author, Thomas Jefferson.

"When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected him with another . . .," declared Freehold resident Nolan Higgins as Jefferson, dressed with Colonial tricorn hat and vest — in reading the opening line of "The Unanimous Declaration of the United States of America," penned 234 years ago.

Then one by one, the other 55 latter-day patriots, representing the original signers, read segments of the document. Among them was 11-year-old Ashley DeSantis of Oceanport, who is a direct descendant on her mother's side of Oliver Wolcott, one the four signers from Connecticut.

"It's just very appealing for them to hear it read, but to read it themselves," Coyne said. "This the document that founded us. It's short, simple and powerful. When you read it, you feel like your part of the day

What a great article. Kevin Coyne deserves a big pat on the back for getting this growing event going. It is a very tasteful event that gives our town one more thing to be proud of.