Community dedicates Charters of Freedom display in Alexander County

A dedication ceremony in Alexander County unveiled replicas of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, organizers said.

The Moderator opened the program by announcing, "Today, we're going to take care of dedicating the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights," saying the displays would be made available for public viewing.

The event included a sung performance of the national anthem led by a performer, followed by remarks from a community representative who said they were speaking on behalf of Vance and Mary Jo Patterson. The representative recalled a trip to Washington and said the idea to bring these reproductions to North Carolina was intended to give youngsters a chance to see the founding documents. "I have seen most of the settings in North Carolina," the community representative said, and praised the local installation's landscaping and flag poles as among the state’s finest.

A program representative described the three documents collectively as the Charters of Freedom and said the Charters effort is a nonprofit educational program that places replicas for public viewing. According to the community representative, the local effort began about 14 years ago; the same speaker said there are about 67 such displays in North Carolina and that the program exists in some 18 states. (Those numerical figures were attributed to the speaker.)

A meeting participant made brief, lighthearted remarks about the pace of change before the program closed. A guest speaker offered a benediction, saying, "May God bless Alexander County, and may God bless The United States Of America," and thanked attendees for coming.

The ceremony concluded without formal motions or votes.