On July 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read in public. The document marked the beginning of a new nation.
Now, 250 years later, to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday, communities across the country are going to be reading that very document — simultaneously – on July 8.
Among those taking part in the festivities is Kane County, which will be debuting on Wednesday, July 8, a video of 25 residents reading the Declaration as a way to commemorate America’s 250th.
Over the course of several weeks, 25 residents were invited to read selected portions of the founding document for the video, according to a news release from the county. It was produced by Batavia Access TV.
“The Declaration of Independence is more than a historic document, it is the foundation of our nation and the enduring expression of the principles upon which our democracy was built,” Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog said in the news release. “This community reading brings together residents from across Kane County to reflect on those ideals and commemorate this milestone in our nation’s history.”
The video is a change from Kane County’s original plans for the Semiquincentennial, which was for a “Declaration Square” behind the county courthouse site in Geneva, set to include a historical marker and “Liberty Tree” donated by the Elias Kent Kane Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
The county had been aiming to have a groundbreaking or ceremonial event for the square and tree in July as part of the 250th anniversary festivities, with plans to start construction after and complete the project in 2028.
However, after much discussion among the county board about the proposed location for the historical marker and elm tree and the potential costs of the project, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution ultimately rescinded its offer to give the tree to the county.
While Pierog previously indicated that the project was not necessarily entirely off the table, she said the county — following the rescinding of the donation — stopped fundraising for the project and planned to either give the money it had already raised back to donors or, if given permission, use it to repair existing war memorials on county property.
But the county moved forward with its plans for the commemorative video meant to celebrate the country’s 250th, and it’s now set to premiere on Wednesday, July 8, in Geneva, according to the news release from the county.
The video is going to be shown at a public event at 5 p.m. on July 8 at the Geneva American Legion Post, the county news release said. Following the airing, the video is set to be available on the Kane County Government’s social media channels, YouTube page and website.
The Associated Press contributed.
mmorrow@chicagotribune.com
