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Samantha Pryor
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Abilene, Kan. - You can join in the July 4 Celebration at the National Archives in Washington, DC. The Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony will be shown from 10 - 11 a.m. in the Visitors Center Auditorium of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene. The first 100 attendees will receive a free souvenir fan.
The video, shown via National Archives YouTube Channel, will include the following:
- Greetings: Allison Seymour, Fox 5 News Anchor
- Presentation of colors by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Continental Color Guard
- National Anthem sung by Crystal Mosser
- Performance by the 3rd U.S. Infantry "The Old Guard" Fife and Drum Corps
- Remarks: David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States
- Keynote speech: Cokie Roberts, journalist and author
- Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by costumed interpreters portraying historical characters Abigail Adams, John Adams, John Dunlap, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington
- "America the Beautiful" sung by Caleb Green
People all over the country can share the celebration on social media using the hashtag #ArchivesJuly4.
The Eisenhower Presidential Library campus will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Active duty military receive free admission. The museum exhibits are still under renovation and expected to open the last week of July. Temporary exhibits are on display in the library building. For more information, please visit www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/visit-us.
About the Eisenhower Presidential Library
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of 16 Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Presidential Libraries play a vital role in preserving and providing access to historical materials, supporting research, and fostering a deeper understanding of the presidency and the American experience. Through interactive exhibits and public programs, they aim to educate and inspire. The Eisenhower Presidential Library's public programs and exhibits receive generous funding and support from The Eisenhower Foundation.