Daughters of the American Revolution and Clare Veterans of Foreign Wars join America250MI in Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

On Wednesday, July 8, at 6:00 p.m. the Michilimacinac Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)and the Clare Veterans of Foreign Wars, (VFW) Pettit-Kapplinger Post #5738 will join millions across the nation in a Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence. The event will take place at the Veterans Freedom Park, 200 W Main St, Harrison, MI 48625.

The Declaration was first read publicly by Colonel John Nixon on July 8, 1776, in the State House Yard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This celebration of the 250^th anniversary of the first reading of the Declaration encompasses nationwide participation including people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.

The program begins at 6:00 P.M. with an introduction by DAR Regent, Karen Eckardt, followed by a prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance will be delivered by John Waddington, Quartermaster, Clare VFW.

The Keynote Speaker is Dawn Moulthrop-Brady, MI State Regent, DAR.

The Declaration will be read by thirteen readers as follows:

Lee Ann Benic - City of Clare resident reading from her Braille copy of the Declaration of Independence, Tom Kunse - State Representative, District 100, Matthew Firman - Scout and recipient of an award certificate from the U.S. Flag Committee of the DAR for his Eagle Scout project of upgrading the 154 flagpoles that the Clare VFW display on Memorial Day, Shelia Parker - City of Clare resident, Steve Draper - Revolutionary era reenactor, Dawn Moulthrop-Brady - State Regent, DAR of Michigan, Pastor Ted Orwig - Air Force Veteran and Assistant Pastor, Clare Christ Fellowship Church, Hannah Goethe - 2026 Good Citizen of the Clare High School and Michilimacinac Chapter’s essay winner, Sandra Cole - Navy Veteran and member of the Michilimacinac Chapter, DAR, Janet Adamski - National Guard Veteran and member of the Michilimacinac Chapter, DAR,  Karen Blatt - Gladwin County resident, Board member of Helping Hands Mission of Beaverton, and member of the Historical Society of Michigan, Bob Frei - Air Force Veteran, American Legion member, Vice President of the Gladwin County Historical Society and Board Treasurer of the Gladwin County District Library, Tom Dunn - Clare VFW Auxiliary Member.

Harrison High School Band, under the direction of Quinton Larion, will provide patriotic selections.

Following the program, guests can enjoy Ice Cream Sandwiches and photo opportunities with life sized cut-out figures of Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Guests will also receive a copy of the Declaration, a U.S.Flag, and a Constitution bookmarker.

The DAR and Clare VFW are proud to partner with America250MI to honor Michigan’s rich history and diversity while inspiring our future. This effort underscores our shared commitment to promote historic preservation, support education, and encourage patriotism.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is one of the largest patriotic women’s service organizations in the world. For more information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.