Annual Reading of Declaration of Independence to Take Place July 4th

American-FlagFour score and seven years is the age difference between the oldest and youngest readers at Valparaiso’s annual Declaration of Independence reading on Thursday, July 4.

The reading by two dozen city residents will take place at 8 p.m. as part of the city’s annual Fourth of July Blast at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1600 Roosevelt Road.

Readers will include 94-year-old World War II veteran John Wolf and 7-year-old third grader Rosa Cohn, author of a recent letter in the New York Times. Community leaders, educators, students and Mayor Jon Costas are among the other readers.

The goal of the reading is to celebrate the day by recalling the reasons the country’s founders gave for declaring independence, organizer Brian Williams said.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the posting of the colors, the Blast includes live music by the Crawpuppies at 7 p.m., activities, food vendors and a holiday fireworks display at dusk. Lawn chairs or blankets are recommended for best viewing. Admission and parking are free.