GREENVILLE — Patriotic pride filled downtown Greenville on Wednesday evening as residents gathered on the steps of the Darke County Courthouse for a Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The ceremony, held at 6 p.m. on July 8, opened with the Posting of the Colors by the Greenville American Legion Post 140 Honor Guard.
Debbie Nisonger, regent of the Fort GreeneVille Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, welcomed those in attendance and reflected on the significance of the event.
“Fort GreeneVille Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Darke County Commissioners, and community leaders would like to thank you for joining us for this community reading of the Declaration of Independence,” Nisonger said. “At this very moment, in communities across the country, people are gathering to read this founding document aloud and to reflect on the ideas that helped shape our nation.”
Darke County Treasurer Scott Zumbrink led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance before reminding those gathered of the occasion’s historical significance.
“Today, 250 years ago, colonists gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the very first public reading of the Declaration of Independence,” Zumbrink said. “The Declaration had been officially adopted four days prior, asserting the colonies’ right to self-governance. Since its adoption, this document has been a steady symbol of our country’s commitment to freedom.”
Following the pledge, DAR Regent Chris Eberst Nehring welcomed community leaders who participated in reading portions of the Declaration of Independence. Readers included Nehring, Ohio Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent; Judge Travis Fliehman of the Darke County Court of Common Pleas; and Ben Thaeler, district director for U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson.
After the reading, Thaeler shared remarks honoring the nation’s Founding Fathers and reflected on the enduring principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer by Karen Burkett, chaplain of the Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR, who recited a prayer attributed to the nation’s first president, George Washington.
“Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord and confusion; from pride and arrogancy and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought out of many kindreds and tongues.
“Endue with the spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there be peace and justice at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. Amen.”
The community observance was one of numerous public readings held across the United States as Americans marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and reflected on the enduring ideals of liberty, self-government and national unity.
