USA pride was on full display in the New Hampshire state capital on Saturday, July 4.
The city hosted a parade along Main Street that included sights such as a biplane being pulled down the parade route, floats, music, antique vehicles, organizations, businesses, and people handing out candy and copies of the Declaration of Independence to children, as well as the city’s mayor and dignitaries. Musical entertainment was provided by the Nevers’ Second Regiment Band, which played on the State House Plaza.
Hundreds of people showed up to celebrate from near and far, including a father and son from Norway who made the trip to help America celebrate its 250th.
The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by the NH Sons of the American Revolution, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Secretary of State David Scanlan. Speakers included Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Sen. Maggie Hassan, Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald, SEA President Rich Gulla and JerriAnn Boggis, executive director of the Black Heritage Trail of NH.
The reading of the Declaration of Independence was a collaborative effort by New Hampshire Senate President Sharon Carson, House Speaker Sherman Packard and Concord Mayor Byron Champlin.
What would the Fourth of July be without some loud noise and cheering? The morning ceremony concluded with a bang from the Sons of the American Revolution firing their muskets, alternating with the Lafayette Artillery Company firing their 1844 six-pound cannon for three rounds. A collective huzzah was heard from the members and the public as the last big boom of the cannon went off.
“It was quite the honor to have been invited to join the Sons of the American Revolution on the State House lawn for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Being able to fire salutes with them on that day was a memorable experience,” said First Sgt. Tony Buscemi of the Lafayette Artillery Company.
Despite being a federal holiday, the State House was opened at the conclusion of the ceremony for visitors to go inside and see historical artifacts, including New Hampshire’s Dunlap Broadside. John Dunlap printed approximately 200 copies on the night of July 4, 1776. Today, 26 copies are known to exist, including New Hampshire’s copy.
The New Hampshire Historical Society was also open and free of charge. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
Lyndeborough historian Stephanie Roper is a member of the Semiquincentennial Committee. The ceremony was hosted by Semiquincentennial Committee members Ashley Miller, state archivist, and Matthew Flanders, director of the Bureau of Historic Sites. The entire committee should be applauded for its efforts to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.