Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026

Join the Columbian Chapter, NSDAR, as Americans across all 50 states and U.S. territories participate in a nationwide public reading commemorating the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. Hosted by the State Historical Society of Missouri, Center for Missouri Studies (SHSMO), the ceremony begins at 4:50 p.m. with M. Clark Graham SAR Color Guard and members of the Columbian Chapter. The nationwide reading starts at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

Featured readers include our Chapter member, Dianne Hart Fay Miller, descendant of Declaration signer John Hart; Colonel John Clark, retired Air Force veteran, former POW of Vietnam War, Purple Heart Patriot of the Month, and DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal recipient; representatives from M. Clark Graham SAR and Columbian Chapter, NSDAR; and surprise community leaders will be present as readers.

Upon the completion of the reading, Kassena Ridgel, Centralia High School graduate and Columbian Chapter Scholarship recipient, will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" accompanied by the Color Guard retiring the Flags.

The celebration will continue with fellowship, refreshments and entertainment! Enjoy Tiger Stripe Ice Cream provided by the Columbian Chapter, NSDAR with a special performance by local well known artist, Black Diamond Experience, featuring the beloved music of Neil Diamond.

This promises to be a fun, enlightening and patriotic evening for all ages--an opportunity to experience history, honor our nation's heritage, and celebrate together as a community. This event is free.