Local American Legion posts honored first public reading of Declaration of Independence at July 8 anniversary events

(Fremont County, WY) – In honor of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, which took place on July 8, 1776, at Philadelphia’s State House Yard, American Legion posts across the country conducted Declaration readings on Wednesday, continuing the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations after the official 4th of July festivities.

Representatives from the Riverton American Legion Post 19 and Lander’s Don Stough Post 33 organized readings in Riverton and Lander, where elected officials, Veterans, and community members took turns reading passages from the Declaration, despite the 90+ degree sweltering heat.

Lander

At Lander’s 12 PM reading in the Fremont County Courthouse Veterans Memorial courtyard, Keith Trouwborst with the Don Stough post outlined the events that led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, describing how growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain escalated after the French and Indian War. He highlighted British taxation measures, including the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, the convening of the Continental Congresses, and the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

Trouwborst also discussed the sacrifices made by the Declaration’s 56 signers, explaining that many kept their identities secret for months to avoid British retaliation, several died from war wounds, others were imprisoned, homes were destroyed, and many lost their possessions, yet none renounced their support for American independence.

“Today, we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the first formal public reading of the Declaration of Independence by having community leaders read this pivotal document to connect citizens with the historical significance and the enduring values of the Declaration of Independence,” Commissioner Jennifer Wilson explained, adding that at that first public reading, citizens were summoned to the Statehouse Yard by town criers, church bells, and handwritten notices.

Mayor Missy White, Senator Cale Case, Representative Pepper Ottman, Commissioner Clarence Thomas, Lander Councilmember John Larsen, and Representative Lloyd Larsen then proceeded with the reading. (Author Note: I had to apologize to the Larsens for not getting their photos; my phone overheated and turned off while they were speaking. Representative Larsen joked, ‘Your phone must be a good judge of character.’)

The reading concluded with Mayor White leading the crowd in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to honor Wyoming’s July 10 statehood day.

Riverton

The Riverton reading, organized by Post 19 Commander Nancy Eustice, was held at the Veterans Memorial Park at 4 PM and began with an invocation from Pastor Stephen Kieser from Trinity Lutheran Church.

After Eustice explained the significance of the July 8 readings, she began with the recitation of the Declaration, and was joined by Mike Higgs (Commander DAV Weldon Moss Chapter 8), Carol Harper (American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19), and Mick Pryor (Marine Corps League Friday/Truan Detachment #683).

Following the reading, VFW Post 3628 Commander Levi Sauer rang the Fire Academy Bell, and Karl Falken, clad in era-appropriate military garb, fired off an 1832 Harper’s Ferry musket.

Before Pastor Kieser concluded the event with prayer, Riverton Chamber board of directors member and local historian Alma Law led the speakers and attendees in singing ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ and ‘God Bless America.’