The afternoon of 4 July saw men in Colonial attire lead the Reading of the Declaration of Independence near the location where it was read for the very first time in Virginia on 12 August, 1776 near the old Loudoun County Courthouse. Immediately before the reading a Colonial clothing attired man walked through downtown Leesburg ringing a bell and announcing the reading at 2:00pm.. The announcement was made again near the old courthouse as the tower clock rang out 2:00pm. The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter, VA SAR led the effort supported by the Loudoun VA 250 Committee and a team of re-enactors from the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area led by Travis Shaw and Ian Gallagher.

As each reader completed reading a section of the Declaration a 1/3 sized Liberty Bell was rung one time. At the completion of the reading the bell was rung multiple times and “let Liberty Ring” yelled out by all. The team of Sons of the American Revolution then gave three HUZZAH’s for the Declaration of Independence. The Liberty bell owner and ringer was Warner Workman, a member of the SMJC SAR chapter.

The reading will be repeated on 12 August 2023 on the grounds of the courthouse near the Spirit of Loudoun Revolutionary War Memorial. This will commemorate the very first time the Declaration was read in Virginia. Then Governor Patrick Henry ordered the Declaration be read in public at each County courthouse. There will a parade of flags to present the colors, several chapters of Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, and Societies of Children of the American Revolution. Many participants will be dressed in Colonial attire. The children will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and help distribute programs, small U.S. Flags and booklets on our founding documents. The public is invited to observe this colorful and patriotic event.

For more information on the Sgt Maj John Champe chapter SAR visit the website at johnchampe-SAR.org