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Press Release nr98-75
Press Release · Saturday, July 4, 1998

Washington, DC

Press Release
April 30, 1998
National Archives Hosts Fourth of July Celebration
WHAT: The National Archives will celebrate the 222nd anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program. The Archivist of the United States will make brief remarks. The program also includes patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a demonstration of colonial military maneuvers.
WHEN: Saturday, July 4, 1998, 10 A.M.
WHERE: Constitution Avenue steps, National Archives Building
Between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC
Space will be reserved for the electronic media

    This popular family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. The program will include the following:

    • Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Constitution Avenue steps by Henry G. Morgan, a retired Army officer and history teacher.

    • Remarks by the John W. Carlin, Archivist of the United States.

    • Performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps.

    • Representing the Continental Line will be Colonial units from Maryland and Virginia. The Crown forces will be represented by Highland units.
    In the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, the original, signed Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights will be flanked by a joint honor guard representing the military services. The impressive changing of the guard ceremony will take place in the Rotunda every 30 minutes from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M.

    Also on display are two exhibitions, "American Originals" and "Designs for Democracy: 200 Years of Drawings from the National Archives." "American Originals" presents a selection of the National Archives most compelling and significant documents. It is on display in the Rotunda through December 1998. "Designs for Democracy" showcases a selection of design drawings that were prepared, commissioned, received, or approved by the U. S government. Through January 10, 1999, in the Circular Gallery.

    For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

    98-75

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