While in Philadelphia I also got the chance to hear the Declaration of Independence read in front of Independence Hall. At first I didn’t understand why it was being read on the eighth and not on the fourth of July like it was in Boston, but Heather conveniently reminded me that the eighth of July is the anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration. Soon after this I heard the clock nearby strike twelve and immediately all those gathered were silent. The front door of Independence Hall opened and three gentleman dressed in 18th century garb came out and marched up to the podium, where the gentleman in front pulled out a scroll and began to read.
Needless to say this reading was more a dramatic reenactment. Not only was there a dramatic opening but there were also people in the crowd dressed in the same style as the soldiers who were shouting adlibs, like “Men are equal,” and “Freedom.” But what was interesting was that there were also people who were shouting adlibs in favor of the king. This caused the two “opposing sides” to interact with each other. At one point, two women to my right were arguing about breaking away from Brittain; one was agreed and the other opposed and they argued adamantly as if they were to decide on the future of the Colonies.
This reading was such a clear contrast from Boston, where it was just read by a Commanding Captain with everyone listening. I think that in the dramatization, people got a much clearer understanding. Because it was exaggerated, the viewers got a better idea of what it may have been like when the declaration was read for the first time. As the solider read on there were different parts where those in the crowd yelled out in excitement, along with the sounds of cars driving past.
I think that that the main thing that I got from experiencing both different readings, has been a clear example of the power of language. Thomas Jefferson wrote the declaration so long ago, and yet it’s still as powerful as was over two hundred years ago. In both readings there were people nearby who got chills as the distinguished reader would project phrases such as, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. After having read the constitution for myself and hearing it read I’m starting to think that part of the reason why Americans love the ideals of the Declaration so much is because of the way in which it’s crafted. It took Thomas Jefferson several days (and apparently several drafts according to the Ford Museum) to get it just right to where all of the delegates felt like their voices were represented.
What I appreciated about the reading of the Declaration in Philly was that it was a nice intersection of Drama, History, Language, and even change.
I’ve already mentioned the dramatics, so it should be clear, but it helps to feed into the history as well. Over two hundred years ago, the Declaration was read for the first time, in that same courtyard probably. It makes one wonder who may have stood where I stood wondering what the future would hold for them and their family. Because of the dramatics the audience then has a better grasp on the history that is behind it.
Also as I mentioned before I couldn’t help think about the power of language, but more importantly the power of words as I watched the reenactment. This document was written over two hundred years ago, and yet it still carries weight. For me it’s a reminder of how timeless our words can be. The words that we write and even the words that we speak go out into the universe and they don’t come back. The United States can never “un-send” the Declaration to England. Thomas Jefferson can never go back and “un-write” or re-write the Declaration. And there’s beauty in that for the present and also for the future.
The Declaration helped to set the basic ideals of America in place. While these ideals weren’t originally meant for everyone at the time that they were written, you can’t argue with the fact that the Declaration states that “all men are created equal.” Therefore, because it was crafted so well, we can then go back and get it right. Again because of the power of language groups that were once marginalized are now recognized. We may not be where we need to be as a country but we have improved a lot in this regard.
So while some people may call things like a dramatic reading of the constitution “cheesy,” I would suggest that it’s helpful because it’s another step in reminding us of what it means to be an American.
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