Asked why she braved a windy February day to hear words written more than two centuries ago, Kathy Schongar of Peterborough replied, “To remind us of what it’s all about.”

In this case, Schongar said “it’ is the society prescribed for this nation in the U.S.Constitution. Schongar joined more than 100 people from around the region to hear the document quoted and commemorated in song at the Town House in Peterborough Friday. 

The event  grew out of informal conversations at Sue Martin’s home in Peterborough, which spawned the idea of gathering people together around the general founding principles of the nation. The event was originally scheduled for Presidents Day, Feb. 17, but was postponed due to weather. Francie Von Mertens welcomed guests, and Pastor Traceymay Kalvaitis of Dublin Community Church read the Preamble to the Constitution. Town Moderator Phil Runyon, who was the presiding justice of the 8th Circuit Court for 27 years, discussed the intent of the Founders’ words. 

“Little New Hampshire made it (the Constitution) official as the ninth state to ratify it,” said Runyon, adding that Ben Franklin told citizens in Philadelphia that their new government was a republic, if they could keep it. “We need to keep it,” said Runyon.

Local artist Adam Arnone offered a rap on the topic, adding that “At the heart of it all we all just want to get along with our neighbors whether we agree with them or not.”

Fred Simmons and Leslie Vogel of Folksoul Music provided music, including Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land,” which was a concluding singalong. 

Asked why he came there from Greenfield, Jep Streit answered, “How can we affirm what we all care about and lessen the divisions out there?”

Reflecting on how there are divisions and matters beyond the Monadnock region, Kalvaitis suggested that “We don’t have to fix everything; we have to fix what’s right in front of us.”